The genus Sergiolus possesses several colorful and/or boldly patterned species of ground spiders (Gnaphosidae). Like many members of this family, individuals are reclusive and are often found in the leaf litter, under stones, logs and rocks though males can sometimes be found out in the open as they seek mating opportunities with females. Like many of the other ground spiders, the tubular spinnerets (that do not taper at the tip) are often pronounced and are a good characteristic to look for.

Minnesota has records of six species of Sergiolus but like many of our Minnesota spiders, very little is known about their distribution in the state.

S. capulatus likely occurs statewide but is only known from nine counties currently. The carapace is orange-brown and the black abdomen has a pattern of white bands, one of which forms a white T-pattern that extends anteriorly from the white band immediately posterior. A good example can be seen here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/123980179.

S. montanus also likely occurs statewide and is known from 11 counties currently. Unlike S. capulatus, its coloration is limited to black and white. The carapace has whitish hairs that often cover the entire surface though sometimes they are limited to the median area. The abdomen has variable amount of white. Here are two individuals showing the variation extremes: 1) https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/97631821 and 2)https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/98674551.

S. tennesseensis is the only other species on iNaturalist that has been found in Minnesota (1 county). While similar to S. montanus in coloration, its pattern is much bolder and femurs are dark while the lower legs are pale. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/122204696

The other species are known from 3 or less counties

S. bicolor is dark overall with a white band on the anterior of the abdomen that is broken in the middle. It is superficially very similar to S. montanus and juveniles of these two species are probably especially difficult to distinguish. There are historical records from Anoka and Hennepin Counties.

S. decoratus has an unmarked carapace but its abdomen is mostly white with median dark patches at the anterior and posterior of the abdomen but a pair of dark patches that are more lateral in their placement in between those. This species is only known from Jackson and Clay Counties.

S. ocellatus is more similar to S. capulatus in coloration. The carapace is orange-brown and the abdomen is dark with a white pattern upon it. This pattern consists of an anterior white band followed by a pair of isolated white spots, followed by another white band and one more white band at the posterior of the abdomen. It is known from Hennepin, Ramsey and Cass Counties.