This spider cannot be identified from these images alone down to below genus, according to the volunteer experts at BugGuide. They are large, up to 1 inch long, usually have a light tan center stripe behind their eyes, and build large sheet webs near or on the ground, with a funnel-shaped entrance (B). The female spider lurks in the funnel until an insect gets entangled in the non-sticky web. Then it quickly runs out to bite and retrieve its prey. Image (A) shows their impressive fangs (chelicera). Most of these spiders die off after the first frost, leaving behind an egg sac hidden in a crevice.
These spiders are commonly seen in both nature centers. Their sheet webs and funnels can easily be seen in the fall, especially in upland woods when morning dew covers their web. They usually sit in their funnel but quickly retreat when approached.
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