I've always been partial to the appearance of this species. This individual's colors stand out even more against our kitchen floor. Click image to magnify.
In nature this quick, agile ground spider is typically found on wooded areas under rocks, old boards and debris. Individuals of this species continue to come in with sheets hung out on our wooden deck rails.
Indoors, this species is most active at night. It conceals itself beneath objects or in clothing/bedding during the day.
According to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s Spiders of Medical Importance, “most bites from this spider occur at night or when it is trapped in clothing. While the parson spider is not considered poisonous, bite symptoms are variable in severity. Some people may experience localized allergic swelling and itching in addition to initial pain. A few persons may experience excessive swelling, nervousness, nausea, sweating and elevated temperatures from the bites.”
I think they’re being overly dramatic.
The extraordinary symptoms are referred to as the willies! Rightfully so!
[...] Eastern parson spider (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus ) « Things Biological [...]
my 2 year old daughter has these bumps on her leg and shoulder all i could find in the house were the very slender looking spiders with a round abdomin 100% positive these all were cellar spiders. i didnt understand sooooo…. finally the house where my daughter is at during the day was look at closer and there were these parsons spiders everywhere one even fell out of a blanket she was using she is complaining in pain now she is at the e.r so its not all just heebie jeebiez just depends on how small you are and how many times you get bit i guess.
I have been bit by a Parson’s spider, people are not being overly dramatic, they are having allergic reaction to the bite. I had hives, severe swelling of the throat, I could not talk. Face was also very swollen. Nausea..yes. Nervousness…yes. Overly dramatic not, you should see the pictures.
Parson’s Spider bites can be serious depending on individual sensitivity. I’m a 6’4″, 280 pound man, 60 years old, in good health and athletically active. I was was bitten by a Parson’s 5 days ago, just above my left hip. I still have inflammation with a mass of “hardened” tissue just under the skin. I experience itching, a very minor burning sensation, and mild pain to the touch. Symptoms started on the 3rd day and have varied with the amount of treatment I have inconsistently applied.
I am self-treating with oral Benadryl and topical Cortaid.
Of interest: the incidence of these spiders in the house corresponds with tree removal around the house following unusually severe tree damage in recent winter storms.
General reading indicates that severity of symptoms and discomfort varies with individualized allergic sensitivity.