Herpyllus ecclesiasticus Hentz, 1832 Discussion

parson spider

Comments on August 9, 2006 Observation

Bev Wigney
45.1465, -75.6088
1

Submitted: March 5, 2007 at 9:44:35 AM MST

Sighting Report - H. ecclesiasticus - looks to be a male: -- Location: City of Ottawa (formerly Osgoode Township), Carleton County, Ontario, Canada., Coordinates: Osgoode 45.14651, -75.60883., Date & Time: August 9, 2006; 18:25 hours., Habitat: Found on wall of interior of a rural house surrounded by rural garden and oldfields., Details: One spider found wandering on walls of interior of house. Of some interest -- I found (and reported) one in the house on August 30, 2005. Perhaps this is a seasonal thing as I don't generally see them indoors. General vicinity of UTM 18T 0453821, 5003433 (WGS84)., Reference Photographs: (1) posted at following URL: http://www.pbase.com/image/65067264

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Laurel A. Jones wrote on May 1, 2007 at 6:13:33 AM MST

Quoting David P. Shorthouse:Laurel: It's tough to say what the spider was, but from the sounds of it, it most certainly wasn't a parson spider. The best bet is to have a look around at the images in The Nearctic Spider Database. Without a picture of your spider, it's near impossible to provide any best guesses. Quote End

That spider was definatly not it, unless they come in the black variety. I wish I had taken a picture of it, but I didnt. This spider was much larger than a half an inch, two knuckle lengths atleast.

(edited by admin May 1, 2007 at 7:49:57 AM MST)

David P. Shorthouse wrote on April 30, 2007 at 10:26:43 AM MST

Quoting Laurel A. Jones: The markings on this spider were exactly the same as the Parson spider, and very prominant. From what I have read, this spider was on the very large size for a Parson spider, as it was more than a half an inch in size, close to an inch. What other spider could it have been? Quote End

Laurel: It's tough to say what the spider was, but from the sounds of it, it most certainly wasn't a parson spider. The best bet is to have a look around at the images in The Nearctic Spider Database. Without a picture of your spider, it's near impossible to provide any best guesses.

Laurel A. Jones wrote on April 28, 2007 at 1:14:45 PM MST

The markings on this spider were exactly the same as the Parson spider, and very prominant. From what I have read, this spider was on the very large size for a Parson spider, as it was more than a half an inch in size, close to an inch. I read that they are not dangerous, although they pack a punch in the bite from their length of fangs. Would they make a good "pet" to have around? I had a wasp get into my house the day before I saw this spider, and I suspect he may have eaten it. I feel really bad for killing this guy and wish I would have stuck him into something till I did my research. I am just so fearful of spiders and the fact that I have two kids didnt help him.

He jumped on my papers in the middle of the afternoon, does that make a difference? I think he was just as afraid as I was that he landed where he did, but I almost had a heart attack when I saw him and heard the forcefull thud of him landing. I am still getting the heebee jeebees from it.

What other spider could it have been?

Bev Wigney wrote on April 27, 2007 at 6:38:09 PM MST

Hi Laurel. Usually Parson Spiders aren't as large as a half dollar, so I suspect the spider that you saw much have been of a different species. I've actually had a Parson Spider hang out around my computer for extended periods of time in the past. They usually just ran around for a little while late in the evening, coming out from behind the computer and running over things on the desk. I don't think they were being aggressive, but might have been hunting, or perhaps even just exploring. I can't say I've ever seen a spider act aggressive towards me. Most times when they seem to be approaching, I think it's more coincidence and not actually any particular plan on the spider's part. I doubt you'll find more of the same spider around your computer. Most of these sightings tend to be solitary and just occur from time to time. Hope some of this is of help

Laurel A. Jones wrote on April 26, 2007 at 4:59:58 PM MST

i have a few questions about this particular spider. I actually just had an encounter with one. I was sitting at the computer when this large scary black spider decided to jump about an inch from my hand from somewhere above me. I screamed and i think he was just as afraid. I went looking for him everywhere and finally found him about an inch from where he jumped, even though i saw him take off behind my computer. Out of fear, and not knowing what the heck in tarnation it was, i closed the book on it. I have two kids, so i was afraid that this half dollar sized spider might by harmful. After a bit of research, i am regretful as he ate bugs. Anyways, my questions...

Why did he seem to want to attack me? He appeared to by laying in wait for me to sit back down. Once there is one, are there more? What are the chances for alot more? What, if anything, should we do when we see another? What do they eat specifically? Are they agressive or did my poor spidey friend just want to be friendly (for lack of a better term)?

I would be greatful about getting these answers...i'm close to turning my entire house upside down to ensure I have no more spiders of that size here. My one year old would surely find them to be a cool toy.

This spider was seen in Virginia Beach Virginia on April 26, 2007