Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a pear-shaped cephalothorax and an elongated, oval abdomen. The body is covered in fine, velvety hairs and lacks the long, prominent leg spines found in some similar families.
Size Estimate
The specimen appeared to have a body length of approximately 7-12mm with a leg span of 25-40mm. This is consistent with a mature or sub-adult female.
Coloration & Markings
Typically mottled with shades of grey, brown, and buff. The cephalothorax often features two dark longitudinal stripes, while the abdomen shows a chevron-like pattern or series of lighter spots on a darker background.
Web Type
A flat, sheet-like web that narrows into a funnel-shaped retreat in a corner or crevice. The silk is non-sticky; the spider relies on speed to capture prey that trips on the sheet.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two slightly curved rows of four. This arrangement provides excellent peripheral vision for detecting prey on the web surface.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs with fine hairs. They are usually solid-colored or very faintly banded, lacking the heavy spines of wolf spiders. They are built for high-speed sprinting.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a mild neurotoxic venom used to subdue small insects. It is not considered toxic or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Extremely low. Bites are rare due to the spider's shy nature. If a bite occurs, it typically results in minor localized redness or itching similar to a mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
Harmless and beneficial. If relocation is desired, use a cup and paper to move the spider outdoors. No chemical control is typically necessary for this species.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found worldwide in association with human structures. Prefers dark, undisturbed areas like basements, garages, sheds, and brick crevices as seen in the photo.
Behavior & Temperament
Very timid and non-aggressive. They will retreat rapidly into their funnel at the slightest vibration. They are nocturnal hunters that wait at the mouth of their retreat for prey.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on flies, beetles, moths, and other small crawling insects that wander onto the silk sheet.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but most visible in late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a master of the 'wait and see' approach. By building elaborate silk sheets in the corners of human dwellings, it provides free pest control. Its incredible speed makes it one of the fastest moving spiders relative to its size.
Key Features
Identification is based on the flat sheet web with a funnel retreat, the mottled brown chevron pattern on the abdomen, and the absence of long, thick leg spines.
Similar Species
Often confused with the Giant House Spider (Eratigena duellica), which is much larger, or the Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis), which has faster movement and different sternum markings.
Life Cycle
Females produce a lens-shaped egg sac often encrusted with debris for camouflage. Spiderlings can live for one to two years, often overwintering in sheltered structures.
Ecological Importance
Highly beneficial as a natural pest controller, reducing the population of indoor pests like silverfish, flies, and carpet beetles.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; stable and common due to their successful adaptation to human environments.
Interesting Facts
Despite their frequent presence in homes, they are often overlooked because they stay inside their funnels during the day. They have been known to survive for months without food or water.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (back) pattern and the funnel entrance. Use a macro lens or high-zoom setting to capture the eye arrangement for a definitive ID.
Identified: 2026-05-18T11:24:21.600765