Amaurobius ferox
(Black Lace-Weaver)

Picture ID 54227

Picture of Amaurobius ferox (Black Lace-Weaver) - Male - Dorsal

Comments & ID Thoughts

Came back from the Bahamas. My bag spent some time in the luggage holding room while we killed time before our flight home in Florida. Assuming it came from my suitcase, since it was within 5 feet of where I had it out and the closet I put it in.

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ItsyBitsy

Hi, this is a male Black Lace-weaver, Amaurobius ferox. This species was originally native to Europe but has long since established itself in the US, it is common in Pennsylvania.

TangledWeb

That’s interesting, not many species seem native to North America. Talarico – I live in the NorthEast and have this species living in our basement. Two of the spider photos below were taken in my basement. Many people probably store luggage in their basement, it could have transferred from another bag. They also might live in your closet. They make funnel webs that are dark gray and lay flat on horizontal and vertical planes. They like dark enclosed places. I think mine mostly eat millipedes. They never come out into the light unless they are exposed against their will. They… Read more »

ItsyBitsy

Generally speaking no, they’re unlikely to bite except in self defense and are not considered to be of medical significance. I personally wouldn’t want them anywhere clothes are stored however, because if they find their way into clothes and you were to put them on that’s a scenario where you could get bit. If you have spiders in your closet you can just vacuum it out and seal up any cracks they might be crawling in through.

Additional Pictures

Picture of Amaurobius ferox (Black Lace-Weaver) - Dorsal Enlarge Picture
Picture of Amaurobius ferox (Black Lace-Weaver) - Dorsal Enlarge Picture
Picture of Amaurobius ferox (Black Lace-Weaver) - Male - Dorsal Enlarge Picture
Picture of Amaurobius ferox (Black Lace-Weaver) - Dorsal Enlarge Picture