Skip to main content

Possible online services disruption due to Internet related outage

A worldwide technology outage is causing disruption to some State of Illinois online systems.  We are aware of this issue and are diligently working on restoration.

Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

ground spider

ground spider (Sergiolus ocellatus) [male]
Photo © Hank Guarisco

Features and Behaviors

​​FEATURES
The stealthy ground spiders are small, usually less than one-half inch in length. There are more than 2,000 species recognized in this family. The anterior spinnerets are cylindrical and extend beyond the end of the abdomen. The abdomen is dark with a pattern of white banding. The cephalothorax is red-brown.

BEHAVIORS
The stealthy ground spiders are active at night and hide during the day in such places as under rocks, under logs and in leaf litter. These predators run down their prey instead of catching it in a web.

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Chelicerata
Order: Araneae
Family: Gnaphosidae

Illinois Status: common, native