The American Grass Spider (Agelenopsis species) builds a rather simple sheet-like web. These creations can sometimes be found attached to exterior walls, but they are more often seen draped across shrubs, brush, mature grasses, or ground covers such as ivy or myrtle. The most notable feature, a funnel, is weaved somewhere along its periphery to provide a shelter for the resident arachnid. Because it is by no means tacky like other webs, potential victims seldom risk entanglement in an American Grass Spider’s trap. Upon sensing a disturbance within their tightly drawn mesh, Agelenopsis species instead depend on exceptional speed to nab their prey.During autumn, many American Grass Spiders move into cellars, garages, and outbuildings where their telltale webs may be the only sign of their presence. Though fearsome looking, these beneficial arthropods are harmless to humans. They are, however, deadly to many of the insects we’d rather not have living indoors with us. In the garden here at susquehannawildlife.net headquarters, we’ve watched them seize and eviscerate adult Spotted Lanternflies.
