Pest profile

Green Lynx Spider

Peucetia viridans · Araneae: Oxyopidae[2]

The green lynx spider is a large, bright green hunter that guards its egg sac fiercely; it very seldom bites people.[1]

Bright green green lynx spider with spiny legs, perched on a plant
Bright green green lynx spider with spiny legs, perched on a plant. Photo: kcthetc1, public domain (CC0), via iNaturalist

How to identify it

  • Females are large, 1/2 to 7/8 inch long, bright transparent green; males are smaller and slimmer.[1]
  • Females guard egg sacs of 25 to 600 bright orange eggs, hanging from the sac and rushing at threats.[1]

Where it lives

It occurs across most of the southern U.S. from coast to coast, plus Mexico, Central America and the West Indies.[1]

US map: public records from 14 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Females build egg sacs typically in September and October; eggs need 11 to 16 days to hatch.[1]

Damage and signs

  • It eats insects and is of interest for agricultural pest control.[1]

Health risk

It very seldom bites people, and its bite is of little concern.[1]

Control

Prevention

No control is needed; it's a predator of insects in gardens and crops.[1]

Common questions

Is the green lynx spider dangerous?
No; it very seldom bites, and the bite is of little concern.[1]
Why is a green spider guarding a ball of silk?
Females guard their egg sacs and will rush at anything that threatens them.[1]

Sources

  1. University of Florida IFAS Extension (Featured Creatures), “Green Lynx Spider, Peucetia viridans (EENY-249).” edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN521 (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Peucetia viridans taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/126777 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.