Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider, Giant House Spider
Tegenaria domestica / Eratigena duellica group
Agelenidae (Funnel-Web Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated, teardrop-shaped abdomen and a distinct cephalothorax. The body is hairy with a mottled appearance. These spiders are built for speed with long, tapered legs and prominent spinnerets at the rear.
Size Estimate
Body length 7-18mm; leg span can reach 50-100mm (2-4 inches). Based on the photo relative to the door trim, this appears to be an adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Typically brown, grey, or tan with a distinct 'herringbone' or chevron pattern on the abdomen. The cephalothorax often features two dark longitudinal stripes on a lighter background.
Web Type
Funnel web: A flat, sheet-like web ending in a tubular retreat. Common in corners of ceilings, windowsills, and basements.
Eye Arrangement
8 eyes of similar size arranged in two rows that are slightly curved, typical of the Agelenidae family to detect movement across the web surface.
Leg Characteristics
Long, hairy legs without thick spines but often showing faint banding or solid brown coloration. Excellent for rapid sprinting across surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses neurotoxic venom designed to paralyze small insects. It is not considered toxic or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are rare and usually occur only if pressed against skin. Symptoms are similar to a mild bee sting, involving localized redness and slight swelling.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety gear required. If found indoors, they can be easily relocated using a cup and a piece of paper. Avoid handling with bare hands to prevent defensive nips.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found throughout North America and Europe. Prefers dark, undisturbed areas like sheds, garages, crawlspaces, and behind furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast runners but generally shy and non-aggressive. They prefer to retreat into their funnel when disturbed. They are active hunters within their webs.
Diet & Prey
Invertebrates including flies, moths, beetles, and other spiders. They sense vibrations on their sheet web and rush out to subdue prey quickly.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors. Males are most frequently seen in late summer and autumn when they leave their webs to search for mates.
Description
A common fixture in human dwellings, the Barn Funnel Weaver is an impressive but misunderstood athlete of the spider world, capable of incredible bursts of speed. Its presence is usually an indicator of a healthy indoor ecosystem where it acts as a primary predator of nuisance insects.
Key Features
Distinguishable by the long spinnerets at the end of the abdomen, the 'herringbone' abdominal pattern, and the flat funnel-shaped web it inhabits.
Similar Species
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) which do not build webs and have different eye patterns, and Grass Spiders (Agelenopsis) which have much longer spinnerets and more distinct stripes.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs suspended in or near the web. They can live for several years (up to 2-3) in stable indoor environments.
Ecological Importance
Provides excellent natural pest control by catching and consuming flies, mosquitoes, and silverfish inside homes and structures.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated (Common/Stable); no immediate threats as they adapt well to human-modified environments.
Interesting Facts
Members of this group are among the fastest spiders in the world relative to their size, capable of running over 1.5 feet per second.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) view to capture the chevron patterns on the abdomen and the stripes on the head for better identification.
Identified: 2026-07-21T05:34:13.233730