Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-web weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated body with a tapering abdomen and prominent, long spinnerets visible at the rear. The cephalothorax is oval-shaped and slightly flattened.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 6 to 12 mm for females, with a leg span of up to 30 mm.
Coloration & Markings
Brownish coloration with distinctive dark stripes running along the length of the cephalothorax and a mottled pattern of chevron markings on the abdomen.
Web Type
Sheet web with a funnel-shaped retreat in one corner, typically spun in dark, undisturbed corners or crevices.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved, roughly parallel horizontal rows.
Leg Characteristics
Long, tapering legs covered in fine hairs and spines, allowing for rapid movement across surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild venom used to subdue small invertebrate prey, but it is generally harmless to humans.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. Bites are rare, typically only occurring if trapped against the skin, and result in mild, localized irritation.
Safety Recommendations
Safely relocate using a glass and a piece of card if found in sinks or living areas; no special pest control measures are required.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; commonly found indoors in houses, basements, and outbuildings, as well as outdoors in protected crevices.
Behavior & Temperament
Skittish and fast-moving; typically retreats rapidly into its funnel when disturbed rather than displaying aggression.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator feeding primarily on crawling household insects such as flies, silverfish, and roaches.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with mature males frequently wandering in search of mates during the late summer and autumn.
Description
A familiar and harmless inhabitant of human structures, the barn funnel weaver constructs characteristic sheet webs with retreat tubes. They are excellent pest controllers found globally in domestic environments.
Key Features
Distinctive longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax, chevron markings on the abdomen, and prominent spinnerets.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider) and grass spiders (Agelenopsis spp.), distinguished mainly by subtle size and patterning differences.
Life Cycle
Females produce silken egg sacs in autumn, safeguarding them near the web. Spiderlings hatch in spring and undergo multiple molts to reach maturity.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent within human dwellings by reducing populations of crawling insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but highly abundant and secure globally.
Interesting Facts
Despite their alarming speed, they have poor eyesight and rely almost entirely on vibrations transmitted through their web.
Photography Tips
Use natural or diffused lighting to highlight the carapace stripes and abdominal patterns while maintaining a safe distance.
User Notes
Bathroom sink
Identified: 2026-08-18T01:26:37.211349