Hobo Spider, Aggressive House Spider
Eratigena agrestis
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include the construction of a sheet-like web that leads into a tubular retreat, and elongated posterior spinnerets.
Physical Description
The spider has a distinctively patterned, elongated abdomen with a series of chevron or herringbone markings down the dorsal surface. The cephalothorax is brownish with darker radiating lines. The body is relatively robust and covered in fine setae.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 11 to 14 millimeters for females, with a leg span of up to 40 millimeters. The specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult based on body proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Brownish coloration overall with a notable pattern of dark yellowish-brown or greyish chevrons on the abdomen pointing forward. Unlike some other house spiders, it generally lacks distinct dark banding on the legs.
Web Type
Constructs a characteristic non-sticky funnel web in secluded areas such as baseboards, under furniture, or in rough terrain outdoors. The web consists of a flat sheet of silk with a funnel-shaped retreat at one end.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of roughly equal size arranged in two nearly straight horizontal rows, typical of the Agelenidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, relatively robust legs with visible spines, lacking distinct dark bands. The legs are well-adapted for rapid running across surfaces rather than climbing smooth vertical walls effectively.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains protein-based venom with necrotizing properties. While historically suspected of causing severe necrotic lesions, modern arachnological consensus suggests bites typically result in localized pain, redness, and occasional induration similar to a bee sting.
Medical Significance
Historically considered medically significant due to fears of necrotic wounds, current medical data indicates their bites are rarely severe. Wash the wound with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and monitor for infection. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Safety Recommendations
Keep floors clear of clutter, shake out shoes and clothing left on the floor, and seal entry points. Relocate spiders outdoors using a cup and a piece of paper if they are found inside.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Originally native to Europe and Central Asia, the hobo spider has been introduced to the Pacific Northwest of North America and parts of Western Canada. Prefers dark, moist, secluded locations near ground level, both outdoors and inside human dwellings.
Behavior & Temperament
Fast-running and typically defensive rather than aggressive. They generally bite only when trapped, squeezed, or accidentally compressed against human skin, such as inside clothing or shoes.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator that feeds on crawling insects, including roaches, beetles, flies, and other spiders, using its funnel web to detect vibrations of passing prey.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during late summer and autumn when mature males wander extensively in search of females during the mating season.
Description
The hobo spider is a familiar ground-dwelling funnel-weaver often encountered near floor level indoors. Recognized by its distinct abdominal chevron pattern and preference for low, dark spaces, it plays a role in natural pest control despite its somewhat misunderstood reputation.
Key Features
Distinct chevron or herringbone pattern on the dorsal abdomen, uniform brown legs without strong banding, and association with a low funnel-shaped sheet web near the ground.
Similar Species
Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica) and Domestic House Spider (Tegenaria domestica). E. atrica is generally larger and darker, while T. domestica features more pronounced banding on the legs.
Life Cycle
Females construct disc-shaped egg sacs in the autumn, depositing dozens of eggs that overwinter. Spiderlings hatch in the spring, undergo multiple molting stages, and typically reach maturity by late summer.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective predator of household and garden insect pests, helping to naturally regulate arthropod populations in its environment.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure and expanding in introduced regions where it is sometimes considered an invasive or nuisance species.
Interesting Facts
The species name 'agrestis' means 'rural' or 'of the fields' in Latin. Unlike many house spiders, hobo spiders are poor climbers and are frequently found on floors because they wander in search of mates rather than scaling walls.
Photography Tips
Photograph from a safe distance using macro settings or a telephoto lens. Focus on the dorsal pattern of the abdomen and the leg structure under bright, natural diffused light to highlight diagnostic features.
User Notes
In room
Identified: 2026-10-06T06:33:56.241642