Vampire Spider

    Vampire Spider (Eresus lamiae): a small spider in the Eresidae family, related to the Velvet Spider. Originally native to caves in Mongolia, this species was recently introduced to the United States, likely as a stowaway in cashmere and natural fiber shipments.
    In its natural habitat the vampire spider lives in crevices of caves and feeds on small cave inhabitants while they sleep. Since its introduction to the United States, it is frequently found in bedrooms throughout the US. Continuing its habit of 'night feeding' which led to its name, the vampire spider feeds on the sleeping victim and returns to a small crack or crevice during the day.
    The vampire spider bite contains no venom and due to the close proximity of the spiders fangs, the bite appears as a single red mark.





Eresus lamiae - Vampire Spider