Barn Funnel Weaver, House Spider, Giant House Spider
Tegenaria domestica / Eratigena atrica
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include three pairs of spinnerets with the posterior pair notably elongated, and building distinctive sheet webs that end in a funnel-shaped retreat.
Physical Description
Robust body with a clearly separated oval cephalothorax and elongated abdomen. Appears somewhat hairy with visible spination on the legs. Typical of agelenids, the spinnerets are prominent at the rear of the abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length approximately 10 to 18 mm with a leg span reaching up to 45 to 75 mm, typical for an adult domestic funnel weaver.
Coloration & Markings
Dull brownish-grey to dark brown base coloration. The abdomen typically displays mottled patterns with darker chevron or herringbone markings, and the legs may show faint dark banding.
Web Type
Builds a horizontal, non-sticky sheet web (funnel web) in corners near the floor or ceiling, featuring a tubular retreat where the spider waits for prey.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved horizontal rows across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust, and tapering legs equipped with distinct spines and fine hairs, held in a sprawling posture typical of fast-running funnel weavers.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom primarily used to immobilize small insect prey. Not potent or medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare and typically only occur if the spider is trapped directly against the skin. Symptoms are minor and localized, similar to a mild mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures needed beyond sealing entry points. If relocation is desired, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of cardstock.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution. Commonly found indoors in dark corners, basements, and garages, or outdoors under logs, stones, and in sheds.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast runners when disturbed, though generally timid and prone to fleeing rather than biting. Strictly nocturnal hunters.
Diet & Prey
Insects including flies, mosquitoes, roaches, and other spiders caught on the sheet web or trapped in the funnel entrance.
Seasonal Activity
Most commonly seen in late summer and autumn when mature males wander extensively in search of mates.
Description
A common and harmless household inhabitant, this funnel weaver is an efficient pest controller often spotted darting across baseboards or waiting inside its neatly spun corner web.
Key Features
Mottled brownish body, elongated visible spinnerets, long spiny legs, and association with a horizontal sheet web ending in a tubular funnel retreat.
Similar Species
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae), which do not build webs and have different eye arrangements, and Recluse spiders (Loxosceles), which lack abdominal patterns and have a distinct violin marking.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in late summer or autumn, guarding them until they hatch. Spiderlings disperse via ballooning or crawling. Adults can live for several years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural pest control agent in homes and outbuildings, helping to regulate populations of flies, roaches, and other crawling or flying insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but highly abundant and widespread globally with stable population trends.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating size and lightning-fast speed, these spiders are completely harmless to humans and play a crucial role in controlling household insect pests.
Photography Tips
Use natural or diffused side lighting to highlight the leg spination and abdominal chevron patterns. Maintain a steady hand as these spiders can move suddenly when startled.
Identified: 2026-08-24T19:20:49.525430