Florida Wandering Spider
Ctenus captiosus
The Florida Wandering Spider is a large native hunting spider that roams forest floors and shaded yards at night instead of using a prey-catching web.
This nocturnal spider shelters under bark, logs, leaf litter, and outdoor objects by day. At night it hunts insects and other small arthropods on foot.
It is not one of the medically dangerous South American wandering spiders that share a family name.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
It eats roaches, crickets, beetles, moths, and other ground-dwelling arthropods.
Behavior:
It stalks prey after dark, pauses when illuminated, and retreats beneath cover rather than building a capture web.
Night, Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm humid nights on tree trunks, leaf litter, and shaded patios near woodland.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not considered imperiled in Florida and widespread where ground cover and prey remain available.
Safety Level:
Use Caution
Safety Information:
Avoid bare-handed handling. Bites are uncommon and usually defensive; wash a bite and seek medical advice for severe pain, swelling, or allergic symptoms.
Benefits to Property:
It provides natural control of roaches, crickets, beetles, and other insects.
Property Concerns:
Individuals may wander indoors but do not infest buildings. Use a container and card for removal rather than pesticides.
Fun Fact:
Its strong eyesight and speed let it hunt without a prey-catching web.
Wildlife Laws:
No special Florida listing applies. Collection may be restricted on protected lands, and pesticides must be used according to the label.
Identification:
Look for a long-legged brown spider with a pale central stripe on the carapace, paired darker markings on the abdomen, sturdy spines on the legs, and prominent forward-facing eyes.