Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with an elongated, flattened cephalothorax and an oval-shaped abdomen. The body is covered in fine, dense hairs. It has long, slender legs and prominent spinnerets extending from the rear of the abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length 7–12mm; leg span approximately 25–45mm. This appears to be a mature male based on the relatively small abdomen and elongated leg proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Characterized by a mottled tan, grey, and brown pattern. The cephalothorax features two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen has a chevron or 'herringbone' pattern of darker spots against a lighter background. Legs are typically solid or faintly banded.
Web Type
Builds a flat, sheet-like funnel web. The spider sits at the back of a tubular retreat (the funnel) and rushes out to grab prey that vibrates the sheet.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. The rows are generally slightly curved, a diagnostic trait for the Agelenidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Legs are long and thin with noticeable spines (setae). The legs lack the heavy banding seen in some related species and are often held in an outward, spreading posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a mild venom used to subdue insects. The venom is not considered toxic to humans and the spiders are generally unable or unwilling to bite unless handled roughly.
Medical Significance
Harmless. A bite might cause minor localized redness or itching similar to a mosquito bite. No specialized medical treatment is usually required.
Safety Recommendations
If found indoors, they can be safely relocated using the 'cup and paper' method. They pose no threat to pets or children.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution, found worldwide. It is highly synanthropic, preferring dark, undisturbed areas in homes, barns, sheds, and basements.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast runners but generally timid. They are nocturnal hunters that rely on web vibrations. They are not aggressive toward humans and will usually retreat rapidly if disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Feeds on a variety of small household insects including flies, gnats, moths, and other spiders. They use their speed to ambush prey that lands on the web sheet.
Seasonal Activity
Visible year-round indoors, but most active and mobile during late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is one of the most common spiders found in human dwellings. Often mistaken for more dangerous spiders due to their speed, they are actually beneficial pest controllers that prefer to stay hidden in corners.
Key Features
Checkered/chevron pattern on the abdomen, two dark stripes on the cephalothorax, and long prominent spinnerets.
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger, and Agelenopsis species (Grass Spiders) which have even longer spinnerets and distinct stripes.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs hidden in the web. Spiderlings emerge and often stay near the web initially. They can live for one to two years depending on temperature and food availability.
Ecological Importance
Critical for natural pest control inside structures, consuming large quantities of indoor nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; stable and widespread due to their ability to live alongside humans.
Interesting Facts
They can survive for months without food or water. Their webs are not sticky; instead, they rely on lightning-fast speed to catch prey before it can fly away from the silk sheet.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) pattern of the abdomen and the head area. Top-down shots are best for identifying the chevron markings.
Identified: 2026-07-14T06:29:35.201242