Cheiracanthium inclusum
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Arthropoda |
| Class: Arachnida |
| Order: Araneae |
| Family: Cheiracanthiidae |
| Genus: Cheiracanthium |
| Species: Cheiracanthium inclusum |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
The yellow sac spider is 3/8" long and pale brown to yellow n color. The tips of their legs and fangs are a darker shade than the rest of their body.
Their front legs appear longer than the rest and their spinnerets are noticable.
Habitat & Range
This spider lives in forests, gardens, and homes. They are found throughout South America through the lower 48 United States.
Behavior
The yellow sac spider weaves small sacs with their silk to retreat into, but they do not capture prey with a web. They hunt insects and other spiders.
They are nocturnal.
They can bite humans, and are moderately venomous. Bites are painful and the site will itch and burn. Those bitten may have rashes or blisters and in some cases systemic reactions.
Life Cycle
Yellow sac spiders will mate once a year, although females will lay eggs between 2-5 times during the year. Eggs are laid in June and July within the spider’s retreat. Females guard their eggs for just over two weeks. When the young hatch they will use the retreat as shelter.
Featured image by James Dake