Building-dwelling
Guides
Attulus fasciger
Asiatic Wall Jumping Spider
Attulus fasciger is a small jumping spider native to northern and western Asia, introduced to North America in the mid-20th century. It measures 3–4 mm and exhibits brownish-black coloration with mottled brown-and-grey patterning. The species has successfully established in human-modified environments, particularly on man-made structures where artificial lighting extends its foraging opportunities. Males are distinguished from females by a more slender abdomen and enlarged black palps.
Coras
Coras is a genus of funnel-web spiders in the family Agelenidae, containing fifteen described species found exclusively in eastern North America. The genus was established by Eugène Simon in 1898 after complex taxonomic revisions involving multiple family placements. These spiders are distinguished by their eye arrangement and build smaller funnel webs with multiple retreats, often in forested habitats and human structures.
Evarcha proszynskii
Proszynski's Jumping Spider
Evarcha proszynskii is a Holarctic jumping spider species first described from Russia in 1998. It occurs across northern Eurasia from Russia through Japan, and has established populations in western North America. The species is primarily diurnal but has been observed sheltering on building exteriors at night. Like other salticids, it hunts by sight without using webs.
Graphopsocus cruciatus
F-winged Barklouse
Graphopsocus cruciatus, commonly known as the F-winged Barklouse, is a species of barklouse in the family Stenopsocidae. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it was introduced to North America around 1930 and has since established populations across the continent. This small insect is notable for its distinctive wing pattern featuring five dark marks on the anterior half and a light "F"-shaped mark on the posterior half. It is frequently observed on building exteriors and vegetation, where it feeds on microflora.
Neoscona domiciliorum
Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver, Spotted Orbweaver, Redfemured Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona domiciliorum is a medium-sized orbweaver spider endemic to the eastern and southeastern United States. The species name 'domiciliorum' (Latin for 'of dwellings') reflects its frequent occurrence on buildings, though it also inhabits moist woodlands. Females construct large vertical orb webs up to 50 cm in diameter, typically building at dusk and dismantling before dawn. The spider is recognized by distinctive coloration including red femora on the legs and a pale cruciform pattern on the abdomen.
Pholcus opilionoides
Opilion-like Cellar Spider
Pholcus opilionoides is a cellar spider species in the family Pholcidae, named for its resemblance to harvestmen (Opiliones) due to its exceptionally long, sprawling legs. The species is native to Europe, Egypt, the Caucasus, and possibly Iran, and has been introduced to North America. Adults are small-bodied with a body length of 3-5 mm but appear larger due to their elongated legs. It is frequently confused with the more widespread Pholcus phalangioides and the similar Pholcus manueli, requiring careful examination for accurate identification.