Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a pear-shaped cephalothorax and an elongated, somewhat oval abdomen. The body is covered in fine, velvety hairs. It typically displays a mottled or 'herringbone' pattern on the abdomen and longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax.
Size Estimate
Body length 6-12mm for females, 6-9mm for males. Total leg span typically ranges from 25-45mm.
Coloration & Markings
Primarily dull brown, beige, or greyish. Two dark stripes run down the cephalothorax, and the abdomen features a series of dark, chevron-like spots or a speckled pattern. Legs are usually uniform in color without distinct bands.
Web Type
Builds a flat, sheet-like funnel web. The spider hides in a silk tube (the funnel) at the back, waiting for vibrations from prey landing on the non-sticky sheet.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two rows of four. The rows are slightly curved, which is characteristic of the Agelenidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Legs are relatively long, thin, and hairy. Unlike some related species, the legs of the domestic house spider lack distinct dark banding or rings, appearing mostly solid tan or brown.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom used to immobilize small insects. The venom is not considered potent or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Low medical significance. Bites are rare due to the spider's timid nature. If a bite occurs, it typically results in minor localized redness, swelling, and itching similar to a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
These spiders are best left alone to hunt pests. If relocation is desired, use a glass and a piece of paper to gently move them outside. Bites can be avoided by wearing gloves when reaching into cluttered, dark areas.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution worldwide. Frequently found in human structures such as basements, attics, barns, and crawlspaces. In nature, they inhabit rock crevices and hollow logs.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely shy and non-aggressive. They prefer to retreat into their funnel at the slightest vibration. They are nocturnal hunters but remain stationary in their webs most of the time.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on household pests including flies, moths, gnats, and other small crawling insects that stumble onto their sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in temperature-controlled indoor environments, with a peak in sightings during late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is one of the most common spiders found in households globally. It is a master of corners, building flat silk sheets that terminate in a protective retreat. While their speed can be startling, they are harmless roommates that provide free pest control.
Key Features
Distinguished by its funnel-shaped web, herringbone abdominal pattern, and long, unbanded legs.
Similar Species
Often confused with the Giant House Spider (Eratigena duellica), which is much larger, and the Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis), which has different abdominal markings and habitat preferences.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs suspended in silk. Spiderlings remain near the web for a short period before dispersing. They can live for 1-2 years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as a vital biological control agent for indoor pests like flies and cockroaches and acts as a food source for larger predators like centipedes and birds.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but extremely common and widely distributed with no known threats.
Interesting Facts
Despite their fragile appearance, these spiders can survive for several months without food or water. They are excellent indicators of the presence of other small insects in a home.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) pattern of the abdomen and the cephalothorax. Shooting from a low angle to capture the funnel web entrance provides excellent context.
Identified: 2026-06-18T15:33:07.760504