Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-web weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include long spinnerets protruding from the rear of the abdomen and a tendency to build sheet webs ending in a funnel-shaped retreat.
Physical Description
Elongated body shape with a distinct cephalothorax and abdomen. The cephalothorax is brownish with darker lateral bands, and the abdomen is oval, covered in fine hairs, and features a mottled pattern. Noticeable long spinnerets are visible at the posterior end.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 6 to 12 mm for females, with a total leg span reaching up to 30 to 45 mm. The specimen pictured appears to be a subadult or adult house spider.
Coloration & Markings
Predominantly brown and grey coloration. The abdomen features a complex, mottled pattern of yellowish-grey or brown markings, sometimes resembling chevrons. The legs are generally uniform brown, occasionally showing faint darker banding.
Web Type
Builds a horizontal, non-sticky sheet web that extends into a tubular retreat or funnel where the spider waits for prey, typically constructed in corners, crevices, and quiet areas of buildings.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved horizontal rows across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust legs covered in fine hairs and spines. The legs are typically spread out flat against the surface when resting in a defensive or alert posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild venom used to subdue insect prey. It is not considered dangerous to humans or pets.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. Bites are extremely rare because they are highly docile and flee from human contact; if a bite does occur due to being trapped against the skin, it typically causes only mild, localized pain and minor swelling similar to a mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures are required as they are harmless. If relocation is desired, gently place a cup over the spider, slide a piece of paper underneath, and release it outdoors or in an outbuilding.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution, widely found across North America, Europe, and other temperate regions worldwide. Highly adapted to human habitations, commonly found in basements, cellars, garages, attics, and dark corners of rooms.
Behavior & Temperament
Non-aggressive and very timid. They spend most of their time hidden inside their funnel retreat, vibrating out rapidly only when prey lands on the sheet web. They flee or freeze when disturbed rather than attack.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on various household insects including flies, mosquitoes, roaches, and other small spiders.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with males most frequently encountered wandering out of their retreats during late summer and autumn in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a familiar and harmless indoor roommate found in homes across the globe. With its characteristic mottled brown body and preference for quiet corners, this expert weaver silently helps control household insect populations while keeping largely out of sight.
Key Features
Prominent long spinnerets at the rear of the abdomen, mottled brown abdominal pattern, and construction of a horizontal sheet web ending in a tight funnel retreat.
Similar Species
Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) and Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica). Distinguishing them often requires microscopic examination of genital structures, though the Barn Funnel Weaver is generally smaller and prefers indoor settings.
Life Cycle
Females produce disc-shaped egg sacs wrapped in silk and debris, often hiding them near the web. Spiderlings hatch and disperse to spin their own webs. Lifespan can range from one to several years under favorable indoor conditions.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural pest controller in homes and outbuildings, preying on nuisance insects and contributing to indoor ecosystem balance.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, widespread, and thriving globally alongside human settlements.
Interesting Facts
These spiders are remarkably well-adapted to indoor environments, often living their entire lives inside a single building where temperature and humidity remain relatively stable.
Photography Tips
Use natural or diffused macro lighting to capture the fine details of the mottled patterns on the abdomen and the prominent spinnerets. Maintain a steady hand and shoot from a top-down or slightly angled perspective.
Identified: 2026-09-22T04:02:43.188835