Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-web weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include long spinnerets and a typical three-clawed arrangement.
Physical Description
Elongated body with a distinct oval abdomen and a pear-shaped cephalothorax. The texture appears velvety due to fine setae, and prominent spinnerets are visible at the rear of the abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 6 to 12 mm for males and 9 to 15 mm for females, with a total leg span reaching up to 30 to 40 mm. This specimen appears to be an adult male.
Coloration & Markings
Predominantly brown and grayish tones, featuring chevron or mottled patterns on the abdomen and longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax.
Web Type
Builds a flat, horizontal sheet web that leads into a tubular retreat or funnel where the spider waits for prey.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved, more or less parallel rows across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long, tapering legs covered in fine hairs and spines, typical of wandering and funnel-weaving spiders, often held flat against the surface.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild venom used to subdue small invertebrate prey. It is not specialized for defense against large vertebrates.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Their chelicerae are rarely capable of piercing human skin, and bites, if they occur, result in only minor, temporary localized irritation.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. If relocation is desired, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of card and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found globally in temperate regions, frequently associated with human structures such as basements, sheds, barns, garages, and dark corners of rooms.
Behavior & Temperament
Non-aggressive and extremely skittish, preferring to flee into its funnel retreat when disturbed rather than bite.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on household insects including flies, mosquitoes, silverfish, and other small arthropods caught in its sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with males most commonly seen roaming actively in late summer and autumn in search of mates.
Description
A common resident of human dwellings, the barn funnel weaver is a master architect of sheet webs found in undisturbed corners. Despite their somewhat intimidating, fast-moving appearance, they are entirely harmless and act as effective natural pest control.
Key Features
Prominent spinnerets extending from the rear of the abdomen, brown mottled body patterns, and association with flat sheet webs ending in a funnel retreat.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider) and other Agelenidae members. Distinguishing them often requires microscopic examination of genitalia, though size and subtle patterning variations offer clues.
Life Cycle
Females produce disc-shaped egg sacs in autumn, guarding them until they hatch. Spiderlings mature over the course of a year, and adults typically live for several years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important natural predator of household pests, helping to naturally regulate insect populations inside and around buildings.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widespread globally due to close association with human habitations.
Interesting Facts
These spiders are remarkably fast runners and can detect the vibrations of trapped prey instantly, rushing out of their funnel retreats with impressive speed.
Photography Tips
Photograph from above or slightly the side with macro settings. Ensure good indirect lighting to capture leg spination and abdominal patterns without harsh reflections from glass containers.
Identified: 2026-08-16T10:00:35.031264