Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated, pear-shaped cephalothorax and a somewhat flattened, oval abdomen. The body is covered in fine hairs (setae) giving it a matte appearance. Females are larger and more robust, while males have smaller abdomens and longer legs.
Size Estimate
Body length typically 7-12mm for females and 6-9mm for males. Total leg span can reach 25-35mm. This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Characterized by a pale tan to grayish-brown base color. The cephalothorax features two longitudinal dark stripes. The abdomen has a distinctive pattern of chevrons or a 'mottled' look with dark spots on a lighter background.
Web Type
Builds flat, sheet-like funnel webs with a silk retreat at one end. Webs are usually found in corners of basements, sheds, or behind furniture.
Eye Arrangement
Six or eight eyes (usually 8) arranged in two rows of four. The rows are typically nearly straight or slightly curved, characteristic of Agelenidae.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs with noticeable spines (macrosetae). They generally lack the heavy banding found in some other funnel weavers, though some faint mottling may exist. Very fast runners.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
The venom is primarily used to immobilize small insects. While it contains neurotoxic components for prey, it is not considered potent to humans or larger pets.
Medical Significance
Low medical significance. Bites are extremely rare and usually occur only if the spider is pressed against the skin. Symptoms are mild, typically limited to localized redness or slight swelling similar to a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions are needed. If found in a sink, use a piece of paper and a cup to relocate it to a corner of a basement or outdoors near a foundation.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Prefers dark, undisturbed areas in buildings, caves, or under rocks.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely shy and non-aggressive. These are 'sit-and-wait' predators that dash out from their funnel to grab prey. If threatened, they typically retreat deep into their funnel or run for cover.
Diet & Prey
Generalist insectivore. Feeds on flies, moths, beetles, and other small arthropods that land on its sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in indoor environments, though most visible in late summer and autumn during the mating season when males wander in search of females.
Description
A common resident of man-made structures, the Barn Funnel Weaver is a master of corners. It is often seen as a dark, fast-moving blur when disturbed. These spiders are architectural experts, creating vast silk sheets that effectively clear out household pests.
Key Features
Two dark stripes on the cephalothorax, mottled abdomen without a distinct 'violin' or 'hourglass', and incredibly high running speed.
Similar Species
Agelenopsis (Grass Spiders) which have longer spinnerets; Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger; Loxosceles reclusa (Brown Recluse) which lacks the mottled abdomen pattern.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs containing up to 50 eggs each. They can live for 1-2 years. Mating usually occurs in the fall.
Ecological Importance
Critical for natural pest control inside homes. They consume significant numbers of disease-carrying insects like houseflies.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but extremely common and widespread with stable populations due to adaptation to human environments.
Interesting Facts
Despite their speed, they can easily become trapped in smooth surfaces like sinks and bathtubs because their claws cannot grip the slick porcelain.
Photography Tips
Focus on the cephalothorax to capture the two dark stripes. Macro shots from above (dorsal view) are best for identifying the abdomen pattern and eye arrangement.
Identified: 2026-05-13T22:15:57.909799