The Spiders in Your House - The Eastern Parson Spider

[@KrisWood]

Every new video that you put out just reminds me of how thrilled I am that you've made PRECISELY the spider channel I have always wanted to watch. You're taking the ordinary lil ho-hum spiders I see in my house and you're explaining them in copious detail. THANK YOU and please don't stop.

[@travismcenery2919]

I can't tell you how much it means to hear this. This is exactly what I set out to do, so it is great to hear that the channel is hitting its mark. Thanks so much for this. I hope to keep going with it, if I can build the channel enough.

[@osmia]

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[@bricvstudios]

​@@travismcenery2919 Please don't stop, every one of these videos you put out make my day and I hope to hear more about these!

[@WayraHyena]

Seconding this!

[@lorrainemunoa791]

@@travismcenery2919 It really is super cool that you're doing this on a level that it could be sourced in Papers, even as an amateur you're collecting data that sometimes no one has. Including video footage! That's such a big deal in terms of recording species.

[@justinenolan127]

I love the "toddler with your phone" analogy.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks

[@thebusdrrivertohell]

Scientific terms like "Biteyness" and "practically ninjas" are what make this the superior spood channel. I also enjoy explaining how "I saw this Canadian dude chasing after a spider with a piece of cheese." *There's also some random frames changing, split second, especially during the chasing of said spider with said cheese.

[@travismcenery2919]

Yes, those frames are cuts in the footage - if you watch, you can see the timer in the corner skip. The entire cheese test was five minutes long, so I chopped it up, and used those frames to indicate the cuts.

[@laggingdragons]

Man's really out here leading research on spiders that have gone largely ignored for centuries and discovers that they're actually cool as ice. I always start the video wishing it was about jumping spiders or brown recluses but never ending it disappointed. Love Colleen and Stephanie, love your videos, love your work, keep it up this is great.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much! I haven't covered jumping spiders or recluses because jumpers don't usually show up IN my house (unless I bring them in - I've got four in captivity right now), and recluses just don't exist where I live. I'll cover recluses at some point, but that one will take a LOT of research. Rick Vetter is probably the leading authority on them and wrote a book bout them, if you're interested in the meantime.

[@burf90]

@@travismcenery2919 Yep. I usually find jumping spiders ON my house, not in it. Generally, they're somewhere near a door or window and they're nearly always the really tiny little black and white ones. I'd call them zebra spiders, but the description for those has even the males much larger than the ones I see. The ones I find are usually 3 to 4 mm long, including the legs. They could be juveniles I suppose, but I never see any larger than that. I'll be interested to see what you do on recluses. I'm pretty convinced that they get a bad rap. I rarely see reports of a recluse bite that has any actual proof that it was a recluse or even a spider bite. I know there are real cases, but I really doubt there are as many as reported.

[@rixille]

@@travismcenery2919 Have you considered covering the typical green colored spiders one might find in gardens?

[@laggingdragons]

​@@travismcenery2919oh I'm quite familiar with recluses, being from the Midwest. I've known about them and dealt with them for my entire life, but I know a lot of people with similar levels of experience who fall for a lot of wives tales about the old fiddleback and it's got me curious about how pure my own knowledge is.

[@horizon319]

“This is a spider you’ll see for a brief moment and then it’ll be gone. They’re maddeningly quick and if you try to catch one, they’ll often dodge and weave and generally outmaneuver you LIKE A TODDLER WHO JUST MADE OFF WITH YOUR PHONE.” 😂😂 Sounds like you speak from experience. 🤣

[@yeetee2781]

You are right. That's why I have a spray bottle with alcohol in it and that stops them from running then I smash smash.

[@horizon319]

@@yeetee2781the toddlers? 😂

[@yeetee2781]

@@horizon319 🤣🤣 the spider

[@billwilson7841]

Im very impressed that you so casually made the ground work to further investigate these spiders behaviour. Your discovery about the hunting "Bungee Lines" is very astounding. Please keep doing your videos.

[@travismcenery2919]

I'm trying! Hoping to grow the channel so I can keep delivering this stuff, and I'm going to keep researching these spiders.

[@jamesepperson7336]

Came here because this little fella just popped up in my house & i wanted answers. Not only was i informed, i was entertained. Great video

[@aloysiusdevadanderabercrombie8]

Same lmao, I have one I keep seeing in my bedroom and I thought it was a wolf spider for the longest time. I just got the chance to see it up close without it running away and was able to actually identify it as a parson spider. Pretty cool lil fella, hope he keeps the flies and silverfish away lol

[@agentblackbird9435]

Had one of these guys in my room last month and I got him into a jar and was able to ID him, I let him outside after but damn he was fast

[@CMZneu]

21:59 This webbing tecniche is quite fascinating, i have seen wall spiders(Oecobius) do this quite frequently, it's amazing how effective and safe it is for the spider to catch prey this way and it's amazing the speed in which they spin around their target, you should do a video on wall spiders they are extremely common in homes.

[@b.collins2656]

these dapper little dudes are surprisingly unique. i always figured they were another "haul ass and chase it down" hunting species when i saw them around, but the detail about how they might be using silk to tangle up prey and then absorb the shock from their kicking is extremely cool. i also thought it was surprising how a species that literally attacks other spiders for food and drags its catch around by the throat isn't trigger happy about biting in self-defense, like. at all. i've gotten more attitude from cellar spiders over brushing up against their web.

[@travismcenery2919]

Yup, I was surprised by the behaviour I saw too. Gonna keep observing and trying to catch the strike behaviour in slow motion.

[@repeat_defender]

I love that you're doing legit research on spiders now, I'm excited to see where it leads in the future. I also find this species really cool looking! So velvety, and such stylish b&w coloring.

[@travismcenery2919]

Yup, these are beautiful up close. And I kind of stumbled into doing actual research, just because there was actually so little study done on them, I could barely make a video out of it.

[@RedSquirrelHunter]

definitely some cool hunting behaviours revealed be your research! Thanks for the finds, I like this spider a little more now

[@Cyntagz]

I' have been awaiting this very episode and had intended to search for your study of the EPS this weekend, but no need; "The Spiders in Your Home" and the Eastern Parson Spider found me 😊 I could not have been more delighted! Thank you❤🕷️

[@Zach0451]

My house is infested with parson spiders, they absolutely crawl around on the ceiling and will climb into your bed. Not polite at all.

[@Pennali]

They get BIG for common house spiders too, they're cool but creepy

[@thebower8027]

@@Pennali Yes! Creepy. I want to kill them!! Although jumping spiders are my absolute favourite. I love them, handle them, and let them out into the big outdoors. To me jumpers just have this cute vibe that doesn't strike fear in me (unless they are big). They feel like little pets.

[@jfbeam]

Indeed. They'll come screaming across your furniture (i.e. the chair you're sitting in!), camp out in your cabinets, etc. They don't do so well inverted, so the ceiling will be a rare location to spot them. If they get pinched, they can give you a nip, but I've never known such a nip to be noteworthy.

[@ryancarlson7476]

I have a picture of a massive one i found un my bed. Im not even lieing this thing was exactly an inch and a half long. It was unbelievable would love to share the picture

[@burf90]

I am absolutely cracking up that you chose to do this spider next. I just caught one a couple of days ago and spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to identify it. It was very small and ridiculously fast. I probably wouldn't have trapped it at all if my cat hadn't cornered it first.

[@iamjustkiwi]

Seriously, they always jumpscare me with how fast they are! Only faster spider I have personally encountered was togo starburst tarantula...but those also have a nasty bite and are MUCH larger.

[@travismcenery2919]

That's a happy coincidence! And yup, they're awfully quick.

[@Madmok128]

Wicked fast!!!!

[@MableThePlagueDoctor]

dang bro ones right by my bed and me having a large fear of spiders is afraid to go asleep

[@MableThePlagueDoctor]

@@iamjustkiwi I was trying to catch the Eastern spooder and i had to adjust the cup for a second, as soon as i opened the glass it jumped at my face

[@Derangedteddy]

I just had one of these little guys crawl on me while watching TV this weekend! He was a polite gentleman and didn't enter defensive pose no matter how much we pestered him. 10/10 spider. Cute, friendly, and tidy.

[@DMcC]

Outstanding presentation, as always. The "cheese test" is a telling one really as if that's what you're doing to a spider and get bit, I will not be blaming the spider anyway. I'd argue most common spiders are hard to get to bite you if you wanted them to. They're almost domesticated at this point.

[@ArcoProvisions]

I’m here because I’ve just captured a Parsons spider. I wanted to comment on biteyness: I found the lil guy on my floor, I’ve seen him around the house, but I love having them around as I have a ton of plants and they’re super beneficial. This guy was just curled up in the dead middle of the floor. I immediately assumed something was wrong, turns out he was just dehydrated (quickly slurped up the water I gave him after capture) WELL… when trying to coax him into my glass jar, he bit the pen I was using probably 3 times. I’ll be honest, my usual preach is to use my hands to do the coaxing, but noticing something was wrong, I figured id use the pen. He turned to bite IMMEDIATELY. Lil bro was not playing around. Just feeling the vibration of the pen tip next to him set him into defense/offense mode. Maybe he’s starving? Maybe he’s in fight or flight mode, idk but he was not happy about that pen.

[@mrpricklythecactus]

When I moved into my home in September 2022 (east central MN), there were a TON of these in my house. I would see multiple individuals a day and while sleeping on ground the first couple of days, I had to gently shake them out of my bedding. I did experience a couple of bites during this time. A bit uncomfortable, but much less so than that of yellow sac spiders and others I have experienced. The high quantity of them really surprised me, but that said, I still miss them since they've moved out. Cute little friends.

[@heitortremor]

I'm a big fan of the detailed explanations and clear well-read scripts! I'm always excited to see these videos in my notification feed. I always share them in my groups of friends

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks for the shares! And I'm glad you're enjoying the channel.

[@avemetatarsaliaenthusiast8202]

Love your videos! Not only are you helping long-time arachnophobes like myself become less afraid, but you are actively furthering our scientific understanding of these funky little dudes. Cheers to more spiders in my (and your) house!

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much for the comment, I appreciate it!

[@LydsTherinNotamon]

I think this might be your very best video yet, and I find this little genus of spiders incredibly fascinating now. Clearly they need to be studied in further detail!

[@dustyr112]

O Travis, your videos keep getting better and better, and I just have to tell you something RIGHT NOW.. For most of my life, I maintained a strict "see it, scream and squish it" position when it came to spiders. I had no interest, and in fact felt violated when one would spook me. They were uninvited and not welcome in my home. And then I saw your first video. KZbin threw it at me randomly, and I was fascinated. The way you delivered information made me feel like you were my dad, cooly addressing me like I was your freaked-out fourteen year-old daughter (I am also a middle-age man, but I'm more bald than you tho so ha). And you got me to calm down and actually look at the spider as a living thing. That video completely changed my home. When I see spiders now, I am actually happy. I look forward to each video you put out, and learn so much about all these friends in my house (I even give them names!). I have not squashed a single spider (or any bug-things) ever since I found your channel. You have inspired within myself a profound respect for all of the creatures around me that I once "hated." Thank you so much for your work, it truly is a thrill following you and learning from you. This afternoon I made an omelet, and a little eight-legged dude skittered out from under my cabinet. I named him Travis.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thank you so much for this. This is so encouraging to hear. I don't even really know what to say, but I'm touched that it has inspired a new appreciation in you. Thank you.

[@RedGyl]

I found the yellow sac spider flashes amusing. This is an amazing video. I just love the thorough, careful research being done, and the way that you present all of the information, and the humor that comes through.

[@osmia]

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[@sealamprey1279]

just goes to show that there's no such thing as an uninteresting organism, only an overlooked one! thanks for another great video, i am excited to possibly see more of stephanie and colleen's adventures in future installments :)

[@frannieboy777]

Thank you so much for making these videos! As a person living in the city with an interest in zoology (especially arthropods, and especially arachnids) your videos are an excellent resource to explore the biodiversity of the (at first) seemingly sterile urban landscape. I now enjoy looking for and identifying the little spiders who live in and around my house and I have a somehow even greater appreciation for these videos. I always look forward to a new video from this channel, keep up the good work!

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

This is the most fascinating one yet, maybe because there isn't much literature on these, but the elastic thread thing kind of goes against the active running down of prey. They obviously go for bigger things when they have established ground or wall lines that both act as safety lines and pull them out of harm's way so they can deal with the prey in a safe and methodical manner. Brilliant Travis, you really have found your speciality and theres nothing better than working at something you love and which fascinates you.

[@halon7183]

brilliant video as always--the affection you express for the spiders in these videos never fails to make me smile

[@julies3837]

I saved one of these guys from the bathtub one night. I also found a yellow sac spider in the bathroom before along with a cellar spider. We get quite the selection some years.

[@Dasycottus]

There's something so heartwarming about the little spider-y musical numbers at the beginning of your videos.

[@valejera1374]

once again Great video Travis, Gnaphosidae are actually one of my favourite families to study, i've been studying their taxonomy for a while and while its extremely hard (most are with the same habitus, females have barely differentiated vulvas) they still are absolutely fascinating little buggers, also some species are more specialized with ant hunting, and many have mirmecophilous relationships with many ants, like Anagraphis. or are mirmecomorphs like Micaria

[@travismcenery2919]

I came across a lot of that while looking for research on herpyllus. I've read that most gnaphosids are difficult to identify - the parson is nice in that it's pretty easy to spot.

[@CJOwen]

Very cool research, and great observations on the "bungee" hunting method! (Also, I thought the Snuffleupagus comment was pretty darn funny.)

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks! The Snuffleupagus thing was actually my wife's idea, so I'll pass the credit on to her for that. I had her review my script for this and she had some really great feedback, and a couple of ideas to throw in.

[@Artist_Keena]

I caught one at work years ago after it scared my coworkers. I thought it was really cool and wanted to do some research on it, but also barely found anything about it online, so thanks for this video! I appreciate them even more now. For anyone curious about the encounter, it happened in the break room of a retail store. It was running across the floor quick and I had an empty Easy-Mac cup, so when it tried to run past my table as the screams of my coworkers alerted me to its presence, I leaned over and put the cup ontop of it. I then walked over to the recycling bin and took out an empty water bottle, uncapped it, and put it on the side of the cup before slowly lifting it. The spider walked right into the bottle and I capped it. Because of my coworkers' reactions, I decided to name it Lord Nope after looking up the identification and gender differences. I hadn't really seen a spider like this in my area (NY) before, so I decided to take it home and kept it in a small fish tank. I had a small wooden ship model (not aquarium decor) with fabric sails that were so rounded, they were like little cylindrical hiding spots. I found they were Lord Nope's favorite place to hang out and make those "silk retreats" you mentioned in your video.

[@MySweetBijou]

I completely agree with the top comment on this video. Never knew how much I wanted someone to explain spiders in copious detail to me. I would watch you explain ANY species of spider, not even just the commonly encountered household ones. But I LOVE that you do the household ones because I hope these videos help people with their arachnophobia. Spiders are just so neat. Tiny little eight legged panthers. And I've said this in nearly every comment on your videos but the cheese test is fucking delightful. I was so excited when I found out what it was for the first time and I love seeing it again every single time it happens. What a joy.

[@chrisgsayshello]

To add some info/cred to your theories- I recently moved into a long abandoned house chock full of Eastern Parsons. Though I am in Montana, so perhaps Western. Regardless, they keep to themselves and are indeed fast- but mostly, the cheese test seemed spot on. Yesterday I finally put on some jeans without properly shaking them out first and a Parson had been wedged between my pants and my leg. Surely uncomfortable and nigh squished a time or two... finally felt something scuttling towards my ankle- shook my pant leg and there was the Parson. I just immediately thanked it profusely for NOT biting and relocated the feller. So this is some anecdotal confirmation!!! Great channel.

[@christinae]

This was the perfect entertainment for a sick day, thank you! These are indeed THEE spiders in my house. They may not be the main characters in the spider kingdom at large, but they are in my apartment.

[@travismcenery2919]

Glad it was entertaining, and hope you feel better soon! And that's some good luck - they're easy spiders to get a long with.

[@markrhuett]

Thank you so much for your channel. I was bit by a parsons spider in bed, and it left 2 red marks where the fangs penetrated the skin. It iched for a couple of days, and then it healed.

[@mlt3258]

I'm ashamed to say that when I was young, I dispatched a few spiders. I then just walked away. For some time, I relocated many (for the insect feared wife). I now look for and feed them when I can. Just days ago I watched this parson spider run across my garage shop floor. I know what it was because I now take notes and refer to your channel to see what's having dinner in my house. Keep up the incredible work.

[@travismcenery2919]

I'm sure we've all dispatched a few at some point. Don't feel too bad about it. Glad I could be helpful, and thanks!

[@chermal7311]

I love when you make videos on ghese lesser-known, overlooked spider species. Here in New Jersey, there are so many different spiders that I just can't seem to find any information on- but it goes to show, if you look hard enough there's plenty to appreciate in each and every one of them. Like, every so often a new spider I've never seen before pops up and I'm just filled with such a childlike wonder, thinking about all the forgotten and untold stories behind each one. This is the same wonder I get from watching your videos, and I sincerely thank you for that. I wish I was able to support you on Patreon, and when I'm able I most certainly will, but for now i hope this bit kf engagement will help to spread this wonderful video and your channel to others.

[@sharksuperiority9736]

I am shocked people overlook these spiders! Compared to most of the other spiders I encounter they’re pretty big (granted I usually only see jumping spiders and sac spiders in my house) and they’re so pretty! I love the almost golden patterns on their backs and their little red boots.

[@spiderpickle3255]

11:30 - I have not observed silken retreats either, even after keeping at least a dozen captive. Including when they lay eggs. They will make a flat egg sac attached to a flat surface and then just hang out on top of it till they hatch. 13:36 They aren't strictly nocturnal, I don't think. I have seen them out in the day, but I have also noticed that the ones I have kept were more active in their enclosures at night. I have seen many of them on walls many times, but it's rare for me to find them any higher than about 3 feet up the wall. I have captured and observed another on the ceiling as well, but it's rare compared to Cheiracanthium. And I have never seen one dangle, or even use a drag line ever 22:28 They absolutely do hunt other spiders, which is one reason I put parsons outside to maintain Tegenaria as my main house spider. The Parsons still lose to Tegenaria about as often as they win, so even though they are good at hunting other spiders, they aren't amazing at it. 23:11 Ants have the habit of clamping on their legs and the parson venom doesn't appear to be that effective against ants. I have found them with ants clamped on their legs that they eventually cast off after a while when their bites don't make the ant let go. I have also observed that they aren't particularly bold with large prey at all. I always had to be picky with the size of crickets and mealworms I fed to my parsons to the same size or smaller. 28:30 They DO use web in some unusual ways and some will even actively clear areas of debris which they will put in a pile. It is definitely behavior that needs more investigation! I have also observed parson spiders using abandoned Tegenaria webs as if it's their own.

[@travismcenery2919]

This is fascinating. It's neat how a lot of your observations line up with what I've seen here. Checked out your channel, you've got a ton of great observations. I'll have to work my way through your videos when I've got some time! Thanks for the detailed comment, and I'll watch for some of this as I keep working with this species.

[@spiderpickle3255]

@@travismcenery2919 Definitely. You'll probably be getting better observation of parson spider than I will in the future. I have adopted a no-Herpyllus policy in my home because they keep killing preferred spiders.. My videos are kind of meh. All I have is a budget phone and internet that's too slow to really be functional. That's why all my videos are short. The 3 that are about half an hour long all took DAYS to upload. But if you see any footage you might want to include in your future videos, let me know. I didn't upload anything for personal gain. It's all meant for public knowledge.

[@Lynn-vs4uu]

Was chilling in bed and one of these little guys crawled up the wall I’ve started identifying spiders I find in the house then finding your video to see how polite they are before trying to relocate them, figure if they’re good housemates might as well live and let live With only one identified bite, I think I’m ok with my roommate Thank you for your videos!

[@vincent393]

I just caught and released one of these things in my home. Of all places, it actually entered my bedroom through the doorway, crawling on the wall near the ceiling. As with most spiders I encountered, I didn't expect it to be a threat. That being said, crawling on the wall in my bedroom was an accident waiting to happen. Right now, it must be doing its thing outside, keeping the pests in check.

[@miguelramos2823]

I caught a spider that I had seen for two nights now. Turns out it’s an eastern parson spider. I put it in a container and it immediately began laying lines on the bottom of the container and I thought that was strange. Noticed it before I even watched this video (had to learn all about what kind of spider it was lol). I definitely think you’re on to something about it’s hunting style. Keep up the good work.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much! I'm hoping to continue studying this behaviour in these spiders.

[@JimmyMac118]

Started watching your videos to try and overcome my fear of spiders, I've not watched many so far, however I can feel myself developing a genuine interest in the behaviours of different spiders. Still wouldn't catch me handling anything larger than a jumping spider, but I'm definitely gaining a newfound appreciation and respect for these little creatures. So, thank you for helping me to understand them better. Much love.

[@thealltomato5251]

Easily the most reliable and relaxing way to learn about spiders. Keep up the excellent work!

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much!

[@peterwengert588]

Very cool what you were able to find out here. I hope you'll update us in the future if you find out more about their hunting behavior!

[@travismcenery2919]

Definitely! I'm excited to keep working with these spiders. Stephanie and Colleen are both alive and well, and I still have them. My daughter found me another one, too, plus I have that juvenile, so that's four parsons I've got now. The sample size is growing.

[@osmia]

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[@nathanfinch7558]

The POV spider cheese harassment shot is hilarious. Great work on these videos, I just found your channel yesterday and I can't stop watching. It's hard to find deep dives on specific species or genera like this.

[@travismcenery2919]

Glad you enjoyed it, and glad the channel is helpful! Thanks!

[@Quiet-Winter]

I actually found one running across our living room wall the other day. Assuming it was male at this time of year, I yelled at him "You won't find no ladies in here, they're outside" - and wouldn't you know, he came running across my bedroom ceiling this morning. I currently have him in a jar and I'm so glad I came across this video! It was hard.looking for Information about these critters! So far, it's hidden itself under a bunch of stick litter I temporarily set up for tonight. ❤ Thank you again for this knowledge all jammed packed into one area! 🤘

[@toddlytodd]

I just caught one of these at work today and it abseiled off of my hand after running out of the glass I cupped it in. I always liked these guys. Thought they had neat patterns, shape, and speed. I find them in my home apparently and say "hello" before just letting on it's way. Thank you so much for the interesting and in depth video!

[@fawncrossing]

I love this spider more than pretty much anything, when I see one I practically jump for joy. I love spiders in general, and it started because I have fond memories of running into these exact spiders in my teens, ever since then when I run into one I just stare at it for an hour or so. I love these guys, it’s awesome learning some more about them! A shame I didn’t know about your channel sooner, but at least now I can work through watching your other videos :]

[@comtnmist]

I love that you have a spider named Colleen. That was my moms name. She was born in Canada. I miss her. She passed away in 1982 when I was 14. Give Colleen all my love ❤. Love your videos.

[@garlowe8565]

I love your videos. I also love that pretty much every video you make underscores how little we ACTUALLY know about spider behavior, and how valuable your research and observation is. I have seen many of the spiders featured in your videos, and in some cases watched them in fascination, but not with the keen eye and real knowledge that you bring. I’m in the San Francisco by area, and we have a wide range of fascinating and beautiful spiders, from Tarantulas to orb weavers and seemingly every spider in between. The black widows are especially interesting - everyone is afraid of them, but their behavior and habitat makes it very unlikely that they will bite unless provoked. I love the cheese test. Brilliant

[@Sarah-cy8bc]

This is one of my fav videos of yours because I see these dudes everywhere. I called them sportscar spiders before I knew what they were because they’re low riding, zoom about and have a racing stripe

[@TheArachnidCompany]

Seeing a man chase a spider around his house for 5 minutes holding cheese for science is exactly why i love science

[@travismcenery2919]

It's weirder than most people think. ;)

[@biggestsigh]

I've actually been watching this channel for a while now and I was finally able to learn about a spider that keeps visiting me every morning with this one!

[@travismcenery2919]

Glad this one was helpful to you!

[@SpidersDoinStuff]

All of your videos are wonderful; but this one was so impressive! You took a spider that scientists labeled “boring” and found this crazy awesome hunting behavior! Absolutely loved this; please keep making these 😸

[@jonathan198627]

Finally a Channel with good content without all the fluff. Thank you.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the channel.

[@LadyKakizaki]

Hey Travis! Great video as always. Rewatching this again as I am wont to do. These guys are adorable! I don't think I've ever seen one around here in New Jersey but I will definitely have to keep my eyes out! What awesome footage you got, and fantastic breakdown of your observations! Man spiders are the best. Keep up the awesome work! - Charlotte

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much! Yeah, after working with Stephanie and Colleen, Parson spiders hold a special place in my heart now. I really love this species.

[@carriekellow3880]

We have a pretty healthy colony of parson spiders in our home. We see them mostly on our main floors (finished walk out basement and 1st floor) and generally on the ceilings (we have popcorn ceilings). They are crazy fast, and I agree that their house politeness is pretty high.

[@Wolfgulfur]

That intro. Even after all the other vids. Still can’t get enough of it.

[@jnyftb]

Thank you so much for this! I always name my house spiders. I actually got my husband on board and he enjoys learning about them also. I found one of these camping out in my bathroom. Started at the bottom of the wall. Then I found him scurrying across the top of my walls then heard him fall on my sink. Scurrying around trying to avoid me getting a good Pic of her. She is now named Gertrude and thank you so much for all of the interesting information. Thanks for what you do

[@travismcenery2919]

Youre very welcome, and thanks! I'm glad the channel is helpful.

[@littledreamerrem7021]

27:52 My pet tarantula does the same thing every time I feed her. Just turns in circles while lying more silk out on her little silk base. I think of it like a cat making biscuits on a fluffy blanket after a good meal.

[@dryphtyr]

I'm really glad I stumbled across your channel. I haven't looked just yet, but if you haven't made a follow-up with additional research, I hope you do at some point.

[@maxmillion3987]

I just scooped one of these lil ones out of my bedroom, (it was biting at night and I am ALLERGIC so I had to remove it) I was rather disappointed with the lack of info on them, so thanks for all your hard work looking into these overlooked critters!

[@alerenos5766]

I found said Eastern Parson in my home and started googling. Glad to have found it and it having led me to your channel. Great video. Looking forward to watching more of your content.

[@travismcenery2919]

Welcome to the channel, and thanks so much!

[@andicarson1339]

I found a parsons in my shower (in Minnesota). I was taking pictures of it when my cat noticed it and attacked it. Even though I didn't get the opportunity to relocate it, I was able to research what it was. Adorable little thing! The color was in-between your pic of the eastern and the western. It definitely had a rusty color. Everyone thinks my love of spiders is freaky, so I've not been able to (comfortably) share my encounter until now. Thanks for making this!

[@inga-kseniamarks1235]

I started watching your videos so I could better handle my fear of spiders, but I keep watching them because your videos (and spiders!) are fantastically interesting. Thank you for your great educational work.

[@tylerc6759]

Thank you for all the great info and for spending your time studying these lovely spiders.

[@Skallanni]

While supposedly this spider is very common in my area, I have only ever seen it once. It was “spider season” and I usually only find wolf spiders and once a black footed yellow sac spider (who I named boots) indoors and then see the odd fishing spider and MANY different species of jumping spiders outdoors. Last year I found a Parson spider and got so excited because I had never seen one in the house before!! I managed to catch it in a cup (we keep some out bc the cat likes to kill bugs and my 85 lbs dog’s nickname is “Stompy” bc he… well, he stompy all over the place, so we try to catch and release before spider death lol). I showed my dad who had gotten me interested in spiders and we both were stupidly excited about it. I shared your wolf spider video with him as that is both our favorite species. :) thank you for loving these often underrated and under appreciated little creepy crawlies as much as they deserve!!

[@PaperTowwl]

What a great video. I see these guys in my place every so often and was always disappointed with how little information there is about them. It’s very cool that you were able to find novel behavior in such a common critter

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I was discouraged by the lack of info on these, but with some digging, I found some good stuff. That lack of good information is largely why I make these videos, so I'm glad it's hitting the mark!

[@emilioportnoff5111]

This is genuinely a very captivating piece of research. The amount of work that probably went into this video is incredible.

[@travismcenery2919]

I'm glad you found it interesting! I was nearly jumping up and down when I noticed the bungee thing. Spent a LOT of time waiting for Stephanie and Colleen to actually attack prey with the camera in hand after that. Like you imagine, it was a lot of work, but it was worth it!

[@chicachimu7175]

I'm hooked on your videos. Only found you today and your videos are utterly fascinating. I love the cheese test!!

[@kerrzai]

I kept one for a short time until I ID'd it, but I wish I did more with it! Truly more interesting than the scientists give credit for. THANK YOU! And btw, if you DO find yourself looking at other inverts....I suggest Roaches or Silverfish. It fits your theme. haha

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks for the comment! And yeah, there was some unexpected stuff here.

[@Webdragon444]

Thank you for continuing to research these beauties

[@danvitty5442]

Your uploads make my day, before I even watch them. Love this channel and this series

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much!

[@jacobbreitinger6789]

Wow. I found your channel yesterday and have only seen the video on the rustic wolf spider, yellow sac spider, and this one. This one was so interesting and cool, I never would have guessed that a spider like this would have hunting this specialized, smart, amazing and so many other words. This channel has given me such a greater appreciation of spiders. Thank you for making content so excellent.

[@vennitrii--yt]

I love this species, they're beautiful! Your discoveries are so cool!!

[@ceejno7861]

This might be my favorite video yet. Reminded yet again of how little is actually known and studied about these things that are around us every day, and getting to watch you make your own studies in realtime... And look, it turns out the humble ground-hunting spider actually lays an elaborate network of lines over the ground to give itself anchor points for when it grabs prey! That's beyond cool. I love it. (Also appreciate the footage of your cheese test where you're just slowly shuffling around the floor on your hands and knees. This is raw sciencing, folks.)

[@travismcenery2919]

Glad you enjoyed it. Even I was pretty excited when I noticed this bungee-attack behaviour.

[@TheSFCjaymo]

EXCELLENT INFORMATIVE VIDEO!!! Thank You 🙏 so much for taking the time to make it!!!

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much, I was glad to! I find these spiders really fascinating.

[@AlternateAlien]

I just caught one of these this morning. He went in the pants I was going to wear, and instead of killing it (because I'm literally terrified of spider's) I put him in a terrarium I had set up. This video was very helpful! Side note- my pants were in my closet (a dark place) I don't keep clothes on the floor😅

[@ifabforfun]

Yes, new video! Hey Travis I been meaning to message you that you should cut up your hour long video about multiple spiders in to multiple additional videos. A lot of people don't watch hour-long videos (not me, I like long videos but KZbin does not) and I bet you could gain more subscribers and views if you do :) Thanks for the great spider content!

[@travismcenery2919]

I thought about that. The False Widow video was brutal. But a lot of the information tied together, and the spiders were sort of best viewed in relationship to each other. It was a tough call, honestly, and I still don't know whether it would have been better to split it up. But what we know about one steatoda sort of contextualizes what we know about the other ones... Who knows, I may come back to those.

[@taylorbrickman3872]

I'm here because this thing just woke me up crawling across my lips on my couch. Things could always be worse. You could be me right now. Lol

[@millfam4075]

Just found one above me working from home! Stumbled across your video very thorough, informative and fun 👍

[@Sarah-cy8bc]

Thanks for this vid and your channel! I moved to an area with more spiders than where I grew up, and living alone I’m learning how to deal with encountering them constantly and alone. Learning about the species I meet day to day helps me come from a place of interest rather than fear. I see parsons spiders probably the most often! I call them sports car spiders because of how they look and how fast they are :)

[@TheConjurersTower]

This is such a lovely channel, your humor and commitment to quality really sets these documentaries apart. I can't wait for the next one!

[@travismcenery2919]

Glad you're enjoying it, and thanks for the comment!

[@lemonlime7078]

This is seriously my favorite KZbin channel ever. You never fail to entertain and inform!!

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much! Glad you're enjoying the channel.

[@brianshuster1773]

I’ve been working on a spider based video and your content has been crucial to it. Love your videos and can’t wait to join your Patreon. You deserve it!

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much, I'll watch for you there! Let me know if I can help at all. I'm only able to do these videos because I've had lots of people help me.

[@Avibee243]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! I've seen a bunch of research on a ton of different house spiders but NONE of them looked anything like the ones I get here at home, but now I'm CERTAIN they’re western parsons!! Ours definitely can get a lot bigger here in Cali (I've seen some that get up to like 1.5") and they usually leave long trails of silk behind them but never any big complicated webs that I've seen. Super glad you got some good info on their more common eastern cousins!!

[@travismcenery2919]

If they're that big, I wonder if they might be something else. Most gnaphosids are pretty small, and there are some lookalikes - some wolf spiders, and some funnel weavers (agelenids) have somewhat similar body shapes, are also quite fast, and can get that big. I'd check those out, too.

[@sirswagabadha4896]

This looks like some pretty thorough research, definitely warrants looking further into it

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks! There's a lot more to do to really establish this, but I've got a couple more of these spiders and I'm planning to study it further. I was delighted to find that arachnology is a field in which amateurs really can make valuable contributions.

[@yikies4071]

I feel like getting to understand spiders better is a great way to reduce my fear of them. Thank you!

[@travismcenery2919]

You're most welcome, and thank you! Yes, learning about things that we fear often helps us be less fearful of them.

[@kentworch]

Very cool spider that people don't seem to know anything about. Thank you for this awesome video and all the work you put into finding all this out. Definitely loved this one.❤🕷️

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much!

[@kentworch]

@@travismcenery2919 You're very welcome and thank you for the awesome content on these amazing spiders.

[@linuxman91]

Just found one in my bathtub (western most likely - Iowa) sadly I freaked out and flushed it down the tub drain, looked up the description on them and found your channel so it was a win win I'd say, I love jumping spiders but all others scare me. I'd love to learn more about spider species so that I can live side by side with them without fear.

[@tasharoth7278]

I found one of these on my wall, and for the first time ever (arachnophobic) I caught this thing in a cup and let it outside. Afterwards, found this video saying how these spiders are basically ninjas and I'm feeling much more capable for the next one that comes around 😂

[@SolemnGW2]

Love these, thanks for making this! edit: the "technical specifications" at 18:17 lmao... nice touch :'D

[@travismcenery2919]

It's a carryover from the Yellow Sac Spider video, but glad you noticed. I had some fun with that overlay.

[@SolemnGW2]

@@travismcenery2919 Lol I can see that! Possibly a controversial take, but yellow sacs are the only spiders in the house that I kill. The others I escort outside gently. They're not very cute, have bit me multiple times, and are very impolite!! *flush*

[@ravensdotter6843]

Brilliant as usual. Looking forward to updates on the hunting.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks, and I'll put something together once I have more footage and data.

[@MemoGGG16]

Thank you again! Your work is much appreciated!

[@rochellewant5418]

This is the second time watching your videos, and I had to subscribe!! I look forward to more of your fascinating footage☺️☺️☺️🙏🏼

[@johnhall4427]

I live on Long island in NY state. So east coast. My first experience with these parson spiders was back in the early 2000's. Found one in garrage and thought it peculiar and wanted to know what it was. At first i started calling it a "copper back" because its back makings, instead of that silvery white color, were a pinkish copper color. Later on was able to learn that it was a parsons spider. Ive come across a few others since then and and those all had the silver whitish back markings. But other than color, all of them were identical to the copper back one. Its a very tough voracious little spider. One of them i put into a jar with a yellow sack spider. Both about the same in size. And by next day the parsons had devoured the yellow sack spider. And oh yeah, more than once i have come across them because they were running up my wall while i was watching TV.

[@American-Jello]

I love this channel. This is great information mixed with humor, and I look forward to each video. It's the channel I didn't know I wanted, but I'm so glad you made! Thanks so much!

[@Lambda_Ovine]

Oh hell yeah! A new video!

[@spiderpickle3255]

OMG, Gnaphosids are NOT boring! Even the tiny black Zelotes species I have are FULL of personalty and have some fascinating behaviors. They are so small but are some of the most fearless spiders I have encountered and are remarkably interactive.

[@travismcenery2919]

Apparently there are some Zelotes that occur here in Nova Scotia, but I haven't encountered them myself. I'll have to watch for them.

[@spiderpickle3255]

@@travismcenery2919 The ones here are very small and solid black. They must be very stealthy outside because I actually have never seen one outside. Undoubtedly nocturnal. They make their way inside enough that I know there is plenty of them out there too. I just hate that some company named their cheap computer mouse _Zelotes_ because it just clogged up all my searches with sales links and made finding good information very hard.

[@nel895]

Fascinating as always. I look forward to your videos.

[@travismcenery2919]

I appreciate that, thanks!