Sac spiders (Family Clubionidae)

There are 13 species of sac spiders known from Ohio. This represents about 2% of our spider species.

Characteristics of Clubionidae:

• leg tips with dense claw tufts and scopulae which permits them to climb smooth vertical surfaces
• conical anterior spinnerets, closely spaced
• usually pale, nocturnal spiders
• chelicerae often somewhat long, darker than the rest of the body
• found on vegetation
• can be captured by sweeping or beating because they fall out of their sacs when disturbed

The sac spiders are primarily nocturnal hunters which move relatively rapidly over the surface of the ground, foliage or, when indoors, walls and ceilings. During the day they can be found in tubular cocoon-like retreats or sacs, in curled leaves, or under bark and rocks. Most species are tan or pale yellow in color.

Ohio Examples: