Tue, 05 May 2026 06:34:02 +0000

Eastern Parson Spider: Identification, Behavior, and What You Need to Know If you’ve spotted a small, angular spider with markings that resemble a clergyman’s collar, you might have encountered the Eastern Parson Spider (Herpestes sparsius), a common and fascinating arachnid found throughout much of the eastern United States. With its distinctive black body and striking white, angular patterns on its cephalothorax, this spider often raises curiosity—and sometimes concern—due to its appearance and behavior. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Eastern Parson Spider, from identification to habitat, behavior, and how to manage encounters with it. ### What Is the Eastern Parson Spider? The Eastern Parson Spider, scientifically known as Herpestes sparsius, belongs to the family Mitropidae, a group of mainly nocturnal spiders. Though not universally common across its range, it’s frequently sighted in homes, gardens, and sheds from Texas to New England and as far north as the Great Lakes. The species gets its common name from the sharp white or light-colored markings on its cephalothorax (the front part of its body), which resemble the decorative “parson collar” worn by clergy—a detail that has intrigued observers for generations.