What kind of spider is this???

[JindoYorki]

My cousin lives in Levittown, NY and she found this spider in her garage at approxiamtely 6 PM in the evening. She said it was approximately the size of the palm of her hand and she has pretty big hands. Can you please help me help her identify it and let her know if it is dangerous. Thanks

[Eric]

Hi, JindoYorki:

Nice image of a male nursery web spider in the genus Pisaurina. It is probably Pisaurina mira, but there are similar species. Nursery web spiders hunt "on foot" instead of spinning webs to catch prey. Females suspend their egg sacs in a web and guard them and the spiderlings that emerge. Despite their startling size, they are not considered by scientists to be dangerously venomous to people or pets.

I sometimes find nursery web spiders lurking around outdoor lights, stalking the insects attracted there.

Eric

[JindoYorki]

Hi Eric,

Thank you so much for the information. My cousin is very relieved to find out that it is not "dangerously venomous." She was very impressed by the size. So was I for that matter. Thank you again. Hope you have a great day!!

Kim

[Eric]

You are most welcome! Glad to be of service and look forward to your next visit here :-)