Barn Funnel Weaver, House Spider, Grass Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely) or Agelenopsis species
Agelenidae (Funnel-web weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include three pairs of spinnerets with the posterior pair significantly elongated, and building sheet webs that lead into a tubular retreat.
Physical Description
The spider has a robust, elongated body with a distinct oval-shaped abdomen and a slightly narrower, pear-shaped cephalothorax. The overall appearance is hairy, typical of funnel-weaving spiders, with moderately visible proportions and a somewhat flattened profile designed for running across flat surfaces and into silken retreats.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length is around 10 to 15 millimeters, with a total leg span reaching roughly 30 to 45 millimeters, representing a typical medium-sized house-dwelling spider. This specimen appears to be an adult or a late-stage subadult.
Coloration & Markings
The base coloration is generally brownish to grayish, featuring mottled patterns. The cephalothorax typically displays darker longitudinal stripes, while the abdomen features a more intricate, chevron or mottled pattern running down the dorsal side, providing camouflage in structural and grassy environments.
Web Type
Builds a horizontal sheet web made of non-sticky, densely woven silk that terminates in a funnel-shaped retreat where the spider waits for prey, commonly found in corners of rooms, basements, or outdoor crevices.
Eye Arrangement
Eyes are arranged in two distinct rows, totaling eight relatively small, dark eyes of roughly equal size, closely grouped together in the center of the anterior cephalothorax, typical of the Agelenidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Legs are moderately long, robust, and tapering, covered in fine hairs and spines to assist in rapid locomotion across webs and surfaces. They are usually spread out wide in a defensive or alert posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild, non-lethal venom used primarily to subdue small invertebrate prey. It is not considered dangerous or toxic to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare and typically only occur if the spider is directly squeezed or trapped against the skin. Symptoms, if any, are usually limited to mild, localized temporary irritation or redness.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures are strictly necessary as they are harmless. If relocation is desired, gently guide the spider into a cup using a piece of paper and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found globally, particularly in temperate regions. Prefers human habitations such as basements, attics, sheds, and corners of rooms, as well as outdoor equivalents like woodpiles, rock walls, and dense ground vegetation.
Behavior & Temperament
A primarily nocturnal, ground-dwelling hunting and trapping spider. It is generally timid and non-aggressive, choosing to rapidly retreat into its silken funnel when disturbed rather than confront a threat.
Diet & Prey
Feeds on a wide variety of crawling and flying household insects, including flies, mosquitoes, roaches, beetles, and moths, detecting prey via vibrations on its sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during spring, summer, and early autumn. Mature males often wander in search of mates during late summer and autumn, increasing indoor sightings.
Description
This common household and garden spider is an expert architect of the classic sheet-and-funnel web. With its mottled brown camouflage and swift movements, it serves as a silent, efficient predator of household pests, making it a largely beneficial companion in human structures.
Key Features
Elongated posterior spinnerets, a horizontal sheet web ending in a funnel-shaped retreat, brownish coloration with mottled abdominal chevron patterns, and rapid running speed.
Similar Species
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) which do not build webs and have a different eye arrangement; Hobo Spiders (Eratigena agrestis) which share a similar appearance and require expert examination of genital structures for definitive separation.
Life Cycle
Females construct disc-shaped egg sacs in hidden areas near the web during autumn. Eggs overwinter, and spiderlings emerge in spring, undergoing several molts throughout their lifespan of roughly one to two years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a natural pest control agent by significantly reducing populations of insects in and around human habitations and gardens.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widely distributed globally.
Interesting Facts
Funnel weavers are exceptionally fast runners for their size and can detect even the subtlest air currents or web vibrations caused by approaching prey.
Photography Tips
Capture from a top-down or slight side angle to clearly show the dorsal pattern and leg structure. Use natural, diffused lighting and macro settings while maintaining a safe distance to avoid startling the spider into retreating.
Identified: 2026-09-25T20:54:27.253864