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, short hairs giving it a matte appearance. The specimen appears to be a male, noted by the prominent, bulbous pedipalps at the front of the head.
Size Estimate
Body length 7–12mm; leg span 25–40mm. This appears to be an adult male searcher.
Coloration & Markings
Drab brown, grey, and tan tones. Two dark longitudinal stripes run along the carapace. The abdomen features a subtle chevron or 'herringbone' pattern of lighter spots against a darker mottled background. Legs are generally solid or very faintly banded.
Web Type
Builds a flat, sheet-like funnel web with a hidden tubular retreat at the back. It does not possess sticky silk; instead, it relies on speed to intercept prey that trips on the sheet.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two rows of four, typically forming two slightly curved lines.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs with noticeably hairy texture and occasional small spines. The legs are well-adapted for extremely fast running across flat surfaces or silk.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom optimized for insects, but of very low potency to humans. It is not considered medically significant.
Medical Significance
Harmless. A bite might cause minor localized redness or itching similar to a mosquito bite. No specialized medical treatment is usually required.
Safety Recommendations
If found indoors, they can be safely relocated using the cup-and-paper method. There is no need for chemical pest control for this species.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found worldwide in association with human dwellings, outbuildings, and rock crevices. It prefers dark, undisturbed corners, basements, and sheds.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely timid and fast-moving. It will almost always flee to its retreat when disturbed. It is a non-aggressive species that only bites if physically squeezed.
Diet & Prey
Generalist insectivore eating flies, moths, ants, and other small crawling insects. It detects vibrations on its web, dashes out with great speed, and drags prey into its funnel.
Seasonal Activity
Visible year-round indoors, but most frequent in late summer and autumn (August-October) when males wander into the open to find females.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is one of the most common spiders found in human structures. Known for its incredible speed and shy nature, it acts as a silent roommate that provides free pest control. While its leggy appearance can be startling, it is a beneficial and benign presence in the home.
Key Features
Distinguished by the mottled chevron pattern on the abdomen, the two dark stripes on the carapace, and the lack of distinct 'hobo' or 'wolf spider' leg spines.
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) is much larger; Eratigena agrestis (Hobo Spider) has more distinct abdominal markings and leg anatomy; Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) have much larger eyes and do not build webs.
Life Cycle
Females lay multiple egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each, often guarded near the retreat. Males wander in late summer and autumn looking for mates. They can live for 1-2 years.
Ecological Importance
Crucial for controlling indoor pests like flies and silverfish. They serve as a food source for larger house centipedes and cellar spiders.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated; widespread and stable due to its adaptation to human environments.
Interesting Facts
They can survive for months without food or water. They are among the fastest runners in the spider world relative to their size.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) patterns of the cephalothorax and abdomen for ID. A side profile helps show the flat body shape and length of the spinnerets.
Identified: 2026-06-18T21:15:12.916888