Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a relatively flat cephalothorax and an elongated, oval abdomen. The body is covered in fine, downy hairs giving it a velvety appearance. The spinnerets are typically visible at the rear of the abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length 6-12mm; leg span approximately 25-45mm. This appears to be an adult specimen based on leg proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Generally mottled brown, grey, or tan. The cephalothorax often features two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen typically has a chevron or herring-bone pattern of lighter spots on a darker background.
Web Type
Funnel web: a flat, sheet-like web with a silk tube or 'funnel' at one side where the spider retreats. Typically built in corners or behind furniture.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two rows that are slightly curved, common to Agelenids for detecting movement across the web surface.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs with noticeably hairy/spiny textures. They lack the distinct dark banding found in some related Giant House Spiders and are usually a uniform light brown.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
The venom is neurotoxic to insects but very weak and not specialized for mammals. It is considered low-potency and medically insignificant to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are extremely rare as the spider usually flees. Symptoms might include minor redness or itching similar to a mosquito bite. No specialized treatment is required.
Safety Recommendations
No action is usually necessary. If relocation is desired, use the 'cup and paper' method to move them outside. They are beneficial to have around and pose no threat to pets or children.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found worldwide. Prefers dark, undisturbed areas in houses, sheds, barns, and cellars, often near floor level or in corners.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely shy and non-aggressive. They are lightning-fast runners that retreat into their funnel at the slightest vibration. They are nocturnal hunters that wait for prey to land on their sheet web.
Diet & Prey
Small insects such as flies, moths, ants, and other spiders. They detect vibrations on the web and rush out to bite and drag prey back into the funnel.
Seasonal Activity
Visible year-round indoors, but most active in 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. It is a masterful architect of the 'funnel web,' a shimmering silk sheet that serves as both home and trap. While their speed can be startling, they provide excellent natural pest control, quietly removing unwanted insects from the home.
Key Features
Flat sheet web with funnel retreat, long hairy legs, mottled brown pattern, and lightning-fast movement when disturbed.
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger, and Agelenopsis species (Grass Spiders) which have much longer spinnerets and live primarily outdoors.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs. Spiderlings emerge and may stay near the mother's web initially. Adults can live for one to two years depending on temperature and food availability.
Ecological Importance
Primary predator of domestic pests like fruit flies and gnats. They serve as a vital link in the indoor food web, balancing insect populations safely without chemicals.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated (IUCN), but populations are stable and widespread globally due to their success in human-altered environments.
Interesting Facts
They are capable of surviving for months without food or water. Despite their name, they are frequently found in modern homes, often falling into sinks or tubs and becoming trapped due to the smooth surfaces.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) pattern of the abdomen for identification. Using a macro lens or 'portrait mode' can help capture the hairs on the legs and the eye arrangement.
Identified: 2026-06-15T06:33:39.832931