Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated, somewhat flattened body with a cephalothorax that narrows toward the head. The abdomen is oval with a distinct mottled pattern. The body is covered in fine, short hairs giving it a matte appearance.
Size Estimate
Typical body length is 7-12mm for females and 6-9mm for males. Total leg span can reach 25-35mm.
Coloration & Markings
Drab brown and grey tones. The carapace features two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen has a chevron-like or spotted pattern in darker brown or grey against a lighter tan background.
Web Type
Funnel web. A flat, sheet-like web that leads into a silken tube or 'funnel' where the spider hides until prey is detected.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. The rows are typically slightly curved when viewed from the front, arranged to provide a wide field of vision for detecting prey on the web surface.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs that are noticeably hairy. They lack the heavy banding found in some relatives but have fine spines. The legs are designed for rapid movement across horizontal surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic and cytotoxic components calibrated for small insects. It is not considered toxic to humans.
Medical Significance
Low medical significance. Bites are rare, usually only occurring if the spider is squeezed. Symptoms typically involve mild localized pain, swelling, and redness similar to a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
If found indoors and unwanted, they can be easily moved using the 'cup and card' method. They are harmless and do not require chemical control.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Highly adapted to human dwellings, barns, sheds, and dark corners of gardens.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast runners but generally shy and non-aggressive. They prefer to retreat into their funnel at the slightest vibration. They are active hunters within their webs, often nocturnal.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on flies, gnats, moths, and other small crawling insects that land on their sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Year-round in climate-controlled indoor environments. Peak activity for males is in late summer and autumn as they wander in search of mates.
Description
A common fixture in human structures, this spider is the architect of the dusty sheet webs found in corners. It is a master of speed and vibration sensing, representing a harmless but effective form of natural pest control.
Key Features
Fast running speed, funnel-shaped retreat, two dark stripes on the carapace, and long hairy legs without heavy dark bands.
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger; Agelenopsis species (Grass Spiders) which have longer spinnerets; and Loxosceles reclusa (Brown Recluse), which lacks the mottled pattern and hairiness.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs containing up to 50 eggs. Spiderlings hatch and may stay near the maternal web for a short period. Adults can live for 1 to 2 years.
Ecological Importance
Crucial for controlling indoor pests like flies and mosquitoes. They serve as a food source for larger spiders (like cellar spiders) and centipedes.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but populations are stable and widespread due to their association with human habitations.
Interesting Facts
Despite their frightening speed, they are poor climbers on smooth surfaces like porcelain, which is why they are often found trapped in bathtubs or sinks.
Photography Tips
Focus on the carapace to capture the two dark stripes. Use a fast shutter speed if the spider is active, and try to get a top-down view to identify the abdominal pattern.
Identified: 2026-06-18T21:14:20.762014