Grass Spider, American Grass Spider, Funnel Weaver
Agelenopsis pennsylvanica
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by long spinnerets and horizontal sheet webs.
Physical Description
Elongated body with a distinct cephalothorax and an oval abdomen. They possess characteristically long, prominent posterior spinnerets that extend from the rear of the abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length 10-20mm; total leg span up to 50mm (2 inches). This appears to be a mature or sub-adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Yellowish-brown base with two dark longitudinal stripes running down the cephalothorax. The abdomen features a darker median band with lighter chevron-like patterns. Legs are distinctly banded or 'striped'.
Web Type
A non-sticky horizontal sheet web with a funnel-shaped retreat at one end or side. Typically built in grass, bushes, or structural crevices.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows that appear highly curved (procurved), creating a somewhat circular or horseshoe pattern when viewed from the front.
Leg Characteristics
Long, tapered legs covered in fine hairs and prominent spines (macrosetae). They exhibit dark banding or 'striping' and are built for high-speed running on web surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains agelenitoxins used to paralyze insect prey. The venom is not considered medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are rare due to their timid nature. If a bite occurs, it may cause minor localized redness, itching, or swelling similar to a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
No action is usually needed. If they are indoors, they can be easily relocated using a jar and paper. Seal cracks in siding to prevent them from entering home perimeters.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common throughout North America, specifically abundant in North Carolina. Found in lawns, low shrubs, and around man-made structures like siding, window wells, and foundations.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast-moving ambush hunters. They wait in the funnel retreat for vibrations and dash out to seize prey. Generally shy and will retreat rapidly if disturbed; non-aggressive toward humans.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on crickets, moths, flies, and other small insects that land on their sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Peak activity occurs in late summer and early autumn when webs are largest and mating occurs.
Description
The Grass Spider is a quintessential North American arachnid, famous for its impressive architectural sheet webs that become visible on dewy mornings. These spiders are the sprinters of the arachnid world, relying on incredible speed rather than sticky silk to capture their meals.
Key Features
Long, visible spinnerets; two dark stripes on the cephalothorax; funnel-shaped retreat in the web; striped/banded legs.
Similar Species
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) look similar but lack the long spinnerets and do not build funnel webs. Barn Funnel Weavers (Tegenaria) are more uniform in color.
Life Cycle
Females lay egg sacs in late summer or autumn in protected crevices. The mother usually dies before winter, and spiderlings emerge in the spring. Lifespan is approximately one year.
Ecological Importance
Vital for natural pest control in gardens and around homes, consuming large quantities of lawn pests like moths and beetles.
Conservation Status
Common and widespread; not listed as threatened or endangered.
Interesting Facts
Despite their speed, they are virtually blind and rely almost entirely on web vibrations to locate prey. They cannot climb smooth surfaces like glass well due to lacking specialized claw tufts.
Photography Tips
Focus on the long spinnerets at the rear. Use a fast shutter speed to catch them before they retreat into their funnel. Morning light with dew on the web provides the best context.
User Notes
Striped legs found in North Carolina
Identified: 2026-06-19T23:40:34.659901