Yellow Ghost Spider: How to Identify

The Hibana velox, or yellow ghost spider as it is commonly known, can be spotted in outdoor foliage and indoor dwelling across North America. The beneficial Yellow ghost spider plays a critical role in controlling pest populations such as the citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella) from the Gracillariidae family).

The name “velox” reflects its ability to move with lightning speed compared to other spiders.

Yellow ghost spider.

The yellow ghost spider, Hibana velox, and the garden ghost spider, Hibana gracilis, are indigenous to North America north of Mexico and in the southeastern U.S., specifically Florida, where they are abundant.

Yellow Ghost spiders typically hunt for prey such as insects or smaller spiders at night while resting in silken retreats during daylight hours, including under stones, behind bark, and within folded leaves outdoors as well as inside buildings’ protected corners or crevices.

You can expect to encounter the yellow ghost spider all year round, but their numbers increase notably from spring through summertime throughout Florida and other southern states. In areas with colder climates, immature spiders or subadults (final immature stage) remain active throughout the winter.

Though not usually dangerous to humans, yellow ghost spider bites can cause pinprick sensations, soreness, and swelling that may last for a short time. In some cases, it might even result in minor necrotic wounds.