Barn Funnel Weaver and Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica / Eratigena sp.
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with an elongated, oval abdomen and a distinct cephalothorax featuring two dark longitudinal stripes. The body is covered in fine hairs, giving it a velvety appearance.
Size Estimate
Body length 7–12mm in females; leg span approximately 25–40mm. This appears to be an adult specimen based on proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Tawny or grayish-brown base with a pattern of dark chevron-like spots on the abdomen and two parallel dark bands on the cephalothorax. The legs are generally solid-colored or faintly banded.
Web Type
Funnel web; a flat, sheet-like web that narrows into a silk tube where the spider retreats to hide and wait for prey.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two rows that are slightly curved, typical of the Agelenidae family for tracking movement across a sheet web.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs covered in fine sensory hairs (trichobothria) and visible spines. They are built for rapid sprinting across silk sheets.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
The venom is not considered medically significant to humans. It is designed to quickly immobilize small insect prey.
Medical Significance
Harmless; bites are very rare as they prefer to flee. If a bite occurs, it typically results in mild redness or localized itching similar to a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
If found indoors, they can be safely relocated using the 'cup and paper' method. No medical treatment is usually necessary for the rare accidental bite.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found worldwide (cosmopolitan). They prefer dark, undisturbed areas in houses, barns, basements, and behind furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
Relatively shy and non-aggressive. They are lightning-fast runners that flee to their funnel retreat at the slightest vibration.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators eating flies, moths, beetles, and other small household insects that land on their silk sheet.
Seasonal Activity
Visible year-round indoors, but most active and noticeable during late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a classic inhabitant of human dwellings, known for constructing impressive sheet webs in corners that lead into a protective silk tunnel. It is a beneficial roommate that provides natural pest control.
Key Features
Funnel-shaped web retreat, two dark longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax, and extremely rapid movement on horizontal surfaces.
Similar Species
The Giant House Spider (Eratigena duellica) which is much larger, and the Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) which lacks distinct dark bands on the sternum.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs suspended in silk. Spiderlings remain near the web for a short period before dispersing. Lifespan is approximately 1 to 2 years.
Ecological Importance
Critical for indoor and agricultural pest control, significantly reducing populations of nuisance insects like flies and gnats.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; stable and widespread due to their successful adaptation to human-altered environments.
Interesting Facts
Despite their speed, these spiders are poor climbers on smooth surfaces like glass or porcelain, which is why they are often found trapped in sinks or bathtubs.
Photography Tips
Focus on the 'top-down' view to capture the dorsal stripes and abdominal patterns. Include the web structure for environmental context.
Identified: 2026-06-11T19:37:49.801307