Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated body with a distinct, patterned cephalothorax and an oval-shaped abdomen, covered in fine hairs. Females are typically larger and more robust, while males possess longer, thinner legs and enlarged pedipalps.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 6 to 14 mm for females, with a total leg span reaching up to 30 to 40 mm.
Coloration & Markings
Brownish coloration featuring characteristic darker stripes along the cephalothorax and a mottled, chevron or patchy pattern along the dorsal surface of the abdomen.
Web Type
Builds a sheet-like horizontal web with a tubular retreat or funnel at the rear, typically constructed in corners, crevices, or near ground level.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved, approximately equal rows across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long and slender legs with visible dark banding or rings, covered in fine hairs and spines to assist in rapid movement across webs and surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to immobilize small invertebrate prey; typically harmless to humans.
Medical Significance
Medically insignificant. Bites are extremely rare, usually only occurring if the spider is directly squeezed against human skin, resulting in minor, localized irritation similar to a mild bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. To relocate, 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, commonly inhabiting human dwellings, barns, basements, sheds, and sheltered outdoor crevices.
Behavior & Temperament
Timid and non-aggressive; rapidly retreats into its funnel when disturbed or when vibrations are detected on the web.
Diet & Prey
Carnivorous predator feeding primarily on small household insects such as flies, mosquitoes, silverfish, and beetles caught in the web.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with males becoming most noticeable in late summer and autumn as they actively roam in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver or Common House Spider is a familiar nocturnal resident of homes and outbuildings. Known for its distinct sheet-web with a hiding funnel, it is a master of detecting vibrations from passing prey. Though fast-moving, it poses no danger to humans and acts as an efficient natural pest controller.
Key Features
Distinctive longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax, mottled abdomen, long banded legs, and the characteristic sheet web leading to a silk-lined funnel retreat.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider) and grass spiders of the genus Agelenopsis, distinguished primarily by more subtle genital and subtle patterning differences or geographic range.
Life Cycle
Females produce disc-shaped egg sacs in the autumn, guarding them through the winter. Spiderlings hatch in spring, undergoing multiple molts to reach maturity over a one-to-two-year lifespan.
Ecological Importance
Serves an important role in urban and domestic ecosystems by naturally regulating populations of nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widespread globally.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating speed, these spiders have poor eyesight, relying entirely on vibrations transmitted through their silk webs to perceive the world around them.
Photography Tips
Photograph from above or a slight side angle using natural or diffused lighting to highlight the cephalothorax stripes and leg banding without startling the spider into its retreat.
Identified: 2026-08-20T23:56:51.961827