Barn Funnel Weaver, Barn Spider, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include three pairs of spinnerets with the posterior spinnerets noticeably elongated, and building sheet webs that end in a funnel-shaped retreat.
Physical Description
The spider has a robust body with a distinctively longer, oval-shaped abdomen and a somewhat flattened carapace. The texture appears slightly hairy. Sexual dimorphism is present with females generally being larger and having broader abdomens than males.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 6 to 12 millimeters for males and 9 to 15 millimeters for females, with a total leg span reaching up to 3 to 4 centimeters. This appears to be an adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Base coloration is typically brownish or beige. The cephalothorax features dark longitudinal stripes or markings, while the abdomen exhibits a mottled pattern of brown, yellowish-grey, and often a series of chevron or herringbone markings down the dorsal center.
Web Type
Builds a sheet web that is not sticky, extending horizontally across corners or near baseboards, leading back to a tubular funnel-shaped retreat where the spider hides.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved horizontal rows of four, typical of the Agelenidae family, providing a wide field of view to detect vibrations and approaching prey.
Leg Characteristics
Long and moderately stout legs with visible dark banding. The legs are covered in fine setae and spines, adapted for rapid running across their sheet webs rather than jumping.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to subdue insect prey. It poses no significant danger to humans or pets.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare because they are docile and prefer to run away. If a bite occurs due to being trapped against the skin, symptoms are typically minor, resembling a mild mosquito bite with slight local redness and swelling.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. If relocation is desired, gently place a cup over the spider, slide a piece of paper underneath, and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution, found worldwide in temperate regions. Commonly inhabits human structures such as basements, cellars, sheds, barns, and dark corners near baseboards or windows.
Behavior & Temperament
Timid and fast-moving. They are primarily nocturnal hunters that wait in the funnel retreat for prey to cross the sheet web. They are not aggressive toward humans and will flee rapidly when disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Feeds opportunistically on crawling and flying household insects, including flies, mosquitoes, roaches, silverfish, and other small spiders.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but males become most noticeable in late summer and autumn when they actively wander in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a classic household guest, frequently encountered scuttling across baseboards or lurking quietly in dark corners. Though their presence can startle due to their speed and size, these web-weavers are harmless pest controllers that quietly help manage household insect populations.
Key Features
Elongated posterior spinnerets, a funnel-shaped retreat web, mottled brown and grey chevron patterns on the abdomen, and dark longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider), which is generally larger and darker. Wolf spiders (Lycosidae) are also similar in color but do not build sheet webs and have a different eye arrangement.
Life Cycle
Females construct disc-shaped silk egg sacs in hidden areas near their web during autumn. Eggs overwinter, and spiderlings hatch in spring. They undergo multiple molts to reach maturity, with a typical lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest controller in homes, barns, and outbuildings, significantly reducing populations of nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widespread globally.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating appearance and incredible running speed, these spiders have very poor eyesight and rely almost entirely on detecting vibrations through their web to sense the world around them.
Photography Tips
Use natural or diffused lighting to highlight the dorsal patterns. Maintain a steady hand or use a tripod, as these spiders can suddenly bolt when approached closely.
Identified: 2026-08-08T02:20:58.617845