Herpyllus ecclesiasticus

Eastern Parson Spider
Herpyllus ecclesiasticus[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Superfamily: Gnaphosoidea
Family: Gnaphosidae
Genus: Herpyllus
Species: H. ecclesiasticus
Binomial name
Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
Hentz, 1832
Synonyms

Drassus vasifer
Prosthesima bimaculata
Prosthesima ecclesiastica
Melanophora bimaculata
Herpyllus vasifer
Herpyllus cratus
Zelotes bryanti

The spider species Herpyllus ecclesiasticus is commonly called the eastern parson spider, after the abdominal markings resembling an old-style cravat worn by clergy in the 18th century. It is mainly found in Central USA, with finds stretching from North Carolina to southern Alberta, Canada.[2]

Although this spider presents a startling appearance, living indoors as it frequently does, it is not considered harmful. However, some people may have allergic reactions to their bites.[3] This spider has shown solely cursorial hunting behaviour, as opposed to web-spinning methods of prey capture, when reared in lab conditions.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Philip N. Cohen Eastern Parson Spider Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
  2. ↑ Nearctic Spider Database
  3. ↑
  4. ↑ Struger-Kalkman, pers. obs.
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