Subject: Colorful Nor Cal spider
Location: Oakland, California
April 21, 2013 3:44 pm
Hi there,
Met this one in the bathroom and noticed coloring I hadn’t seen before so went and got my camera. It was maybe 3/4” long. Didn’t seem aggressive or especially fast moving. Probably about 80F in the house.
Signature: Thanks

Castianeira thalia

This is one of the Ant Mimic or Ground Sac Spiders in the family Corinnidae, and we quickly identified it as Castianeira thalia on BugGuide.  There are color variations with or without the red markings, and those individuals with the red markings are definitely more noticeable. All the reports of this species on BugGuide are from California.  Though we have postings of other members of the genus, this might be a new species for our site.

Thanks very much for letting me know.
Craig.

0   I like This

Related posts:

Ant Mimic Spider Ant Mimic Spider Ant Mimic Spider from Greece Ant Mimic Spider

Subject: funnel spider???
Location: Brampton, Ontario
March 27, 2013 10:57 am
Dear Bugman,
Thank you so much for your site. I often referrence it to help identify the mysterious critters I come across. This one is a beauty. I’m thinking funnel spider, but her markings are unusual for me. Most of the ones about here are rather plain. I actually found her IN the house last night (sitting atop my tea tin). This morning another dashed inside when I opened the front door. I scooted it back outside (as I already had its friend captured for identification). I went straight to the net to find some info and came across an identical spider pic with no identification ( except one site calling it a yellow sac spider, pfft!!). My camera is not good for insect photos so I won’t bother with sending you a blurred vague image. Here is the pic I found online. If you could help that would be great. I’m gonna let this gal go soon but I’d like to know what to call her next time we cross paths, or when she decides to visit for tea again.
Signature: D.

Eastern Parson Spider

Hi D.,
The Eastern Parson Spider, Herpyllus ecclesiasticus, received its common and scientific names, according to BugGuide, because of the reference:  “to the white dorsal stripe on the abdomen, which resembles a cravat worn by a parson or minister during the 1800′s.”  The Eastern Parson Spider is a Ground Spider, not a Funnel Web Builder.

0   I like This

Related posts:

Eastern Parson Spider Eastern Parson Spider Eastern Parson Spider Parson Spider

Subject: RED LINE SPIDER
Location: Houston Tx
December 28, 2012 12:00 pm
Dear Bugman,
I found this guy in my sink. As soon as i noticed it was there it ran and hid in the crevice under the countertop. I was only able to get a picture of the back end of the spider because of its stealthiness. Please help me identify what kind of spider it is because I am mostly worried it may be some kind of widow spider. I have 3 children in the house that I have to keep away from my bathroom area for fear of getting bit.
Signature: Thank you ever so kindly. Iris S.

Ant Mimic Spider

Dear Iris,
This is a harmless Ant Mimic Spider in the genus Castianeira.  You can verify the ID on BugGuide.

1   I like This

Related posts:

Ant Mimic Jumping Spider Ant Mimic Spider from Greece Ant Mimic Jumping Spider Red Spotted Ant Mimic Spider

Subject: What is it?
Location: Houston, Texas
November 2, 2012 9:29 pm
Found this spider crawling away from my bed and I freaked out. I really dislike spiders. I tried searching online to see if it is venomous. The search just left me confused…black widow family or red stripe spider from Australia? It looked more like a red stripe spider from a image I saw online. What do you think?
Signature: Cyn

Ant Mimic Spider

Hi Cyn,
Though the coloration and markings are superficially similar to the dangerous Australian Redback Spider, this Ant Mimic Spider in the genus Castianeira is perfectly harmless, and you can read more about it on BugGuide.

0   I like This

Related posts:

Ant Mimic Spider Red Spotted Ant Mimic Spider Ant Mimic Spider Ant Mimic Jumping Spider

Hotel Spider
Location: Wilmington, NC
December 23, 2011 1:18 pm
Dear Bugman,
I am a flight attendant and therefore get to see a wide variety of bugs, welcome or not, both on and off the airplanes. This little guy was sharing a room with me in North Carolina. I have been bitten in the past many times in hotels by many things but wanted to know if this guy is a threat or helpful roommate.
Signature: Kelly

Parson Spider

Hi Kelly,
The Parson Spider in your photo is considered a harmless species.  They are Ground Spiders that do not build a web to snare prey.

0   I like This

Related posts:

Parson Spider Parson Spider Eastern Parson Spider Eastern Parson Spider

Unknown spider
Location: VT
December 12, 2011 10:00 pm
I found this spider on my bedroom ceiling. I have never seen one that looks like this and wondering if you have any info. It has a weird white color stripe on head and back. It was roughly about the size of a nickel. This was in the state of Vermont.
Signature: Thank you

Parson Spider

The harmless Parson Spider, Herpyllus ecclesiasticus, has very distinctive markings.  You can read more about the Parson Spider on BugGuide.

1   I like This

Related posts:

Eastern Parson Spider Eastern Parson Spider Parson Spider Eastern Parson Spider