More Urban Species in the Zoo Hospital

[urbpan]

Despite the fact that my good camera is in disrepair and I had to take this photo with my phone, I think I may have an identification. The white markings on this spider, along with its body shape, and habitat (indoors) make it most likely Herpyllus ecclesiasticus, whose scientific name and common name of "parson spider" are inspired by the markings' resemblance to priests' vestments back at the time of the naming.

Despite being known as an indoor spider, this is the first time I've ever encountered one (in 10+ years of paying close attention to indoor wildlife). Usually they are nocturnal creatures, hunting in the darkness. Before there were buildings to hunt in, they roamed the leaf litter of the forest floor in search of prey.