Herpyllus ecclesiasticus

Herpyllus ecclesiasticus, commonly called the eastern parson spider, is a species of spider named after the abdominal markings resembling an old-style cravat worn by clergy in the 18th century.^[2] It is mainly found in North America east of the Rocky Mountains, from Alberta, Canada, east to Nova Scotia, and south to Tamaulipas, Mexico, and Florida, US.^[3][4] Individuals can be found throughout the year, both in homes and under rocks or logs in deciduous forests.^[4]

Eastern parson spider
Herpyllus ecclesiasticus[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Infraorder:	Araneomorphae
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

In Woodbridge, Virginia

In Hardy County, West Virginia

In Peotone, Illinois

In Kerhonkson, New York

Description

Individuals are covered with black hairs on the cephalothorax and gray hairs on the abdomen. On the back is the distinctive white mark that gives the species its common name; there is a small white spot above the spinnerets.^[2]

Behavior

During the day, individuals reside in silken retreats. They emerge to hunt at night.^[2]

Bite

Bites are painful, and some individuals may experience an allergic reaction.^[2]