Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider, Giant House Spider
Tegenaria domestica / Eratigena atrica complex
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include three pairs of spinnerets with the posterior spinnerets noticeably elongated, and building sheet webs that end in a funnel-shaped retreat.
Physical Description
Robust body with a relatively elongated oval abdomen and a distinct, somewhat flattened cephalothorax. The spider appears slightly velvety or sparsely haired, possessing a sturdy build typical of funnel-weavers with prominent palps visible near the head.
Size Estimate
Body length is approximately 10 to 18 millimeters, with a leg span reaching up to 40 to 60 millimeters depending on sex and exact species within the Agelenidae family. This appears to be a mature or sub-adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Predominantly brown to dark reddish-brown tones. The cephalothorax typically exhibits longitudinal dark stripes or mottling, while the abdomen features a mottled pattern often consisting of yellowish-brown or greyish chevron markings along the dorsal center.
Web Type
Builds a horizontal sheet web made of non-sticky, densely woven silk that terminates in a tubular or funnel-shaped retreat where the spider waits for prey. Often constructed in dark, undisturbed corners, behind furniture, or along baseboards.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two closely grouped, slightly curved horizontal rows across the anterior portion of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust, and tapering legs equipped with noticeable spines and hairs. The legs are generally uniformly colored brown, matching the body, and are typically held spread out wide to detect vibrations on the web sheet.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to subdue invertebrate prey. It is not considered dangerous to humans or pets.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are rare, typically only occurring when the spider is compressed against human skin. Symptoms from a bite are usually minor, resembling a mild insect sting with temporary localized redness and slight swelling.
Safety Recommendations
To avoid encounters, keep living areas clutter-free. If found indoors, safely capture the spider using a cup and a piece of paper, and release it outdoors or in an outbuilding. No pest control measures are necessary.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution, highly adapted to human dwellings, basements, bathrooms, garages, and outbuildings globally, as well as natural dark crevices, rock piles, and hollow logs outdoors.
Behavior & Temperament
Timid and fast-moving. When disturbed, they typically dart rapidly toward their funnel retreat. They are generally non-aggressive toward humans and will only bite if cornered or trapped against the skin.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding primarily on crawling household insects such as flies, cockroaches, silverfish, ants, and other spiders that stumble onto their sheet webs.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with a noticeable increase in visibility during late summer and autumn when mature males wander extensively in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver or House Spider is a familiar yet discreet co-inhabitant of human structures. Possessing a sturdy, velvety brown body and remarkable speed, this skilled architect constructs intricate sheet webs in forgotten corners to intercept wandering household pests. Though their rapid movements can startle the unwary, they are completely harmless and act as beneficial natural pest controllers.
Key Features
Elongated posterior spinnerets, a horizontal sheet web ending in a funnel retreat, mottled brownish coloration with faint chevron patterns on the abdomen, and rapid bursts of speed.
Similar Species
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) which do not build webs and have different eye arrangements, and aggressive Hobo Spiders (Eratigena agrestis) which share similar physical traits but differ in subtle structural details and geographical prevalence.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in hidden areas near their webs, guarding them until they hatch. Spiderlings disperse via ballooning or crawling. They undergo multiple molts over a lifespan that can range from one to several years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural predator of household pests and insects, helping to naturally regulate insect populations inside buildings and surrounding gardens.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but highly secure and widespread globally due to successful adaptation to human-modified environments.
Interesting Facts
These spiders have extremely poor eyesight, relying almost entirely on fine sensory hairs on their legs to detect airborne vibrations and movements of potential prey across their sheet webs.
Photography Tips
Photograph from above or a slight side angle to capture the body patterns and leg structure. Use natural or diffused lighting to avoid harsh glares and ensure the camera focuses on the dorsal markings for identification.
User Notes
In bathroom
Identified: 2026-09-04T04:48:07.891965