Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-web weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
The spider has a distinct elongated oval abdomen and a robust, slightly flattened cephalothorax. The body is covered in fine, short hairs giving it a satin-like texture. Females are typically larger and more robust than males, which possess noticeably longer legs and swollen pedipalps.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 6 to 12 millimeters for females, with a leg span reaching up to 30 millimeters, making it a medium-sized household spider.
Coloration & Markings
Base coloration ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown. The abdomen features a distinctive pattern of mottled greyish-brown chevrons and spots down the dorsal side, while the cephalothorax typically displays darker longitudinal stripes or markings.
Web Type
Builds a characteristic sheet web that funnels into a tubular retreat where the spider waits for prey, usually constructed in dark, undisturbed corners, basements, or near ground level.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small, dark eyes arranged in two slightly curved, more or less parallel horizontal rows of four, typical of the funnel-weaver family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, moderately robust legs featuring visible dark banding or rings. The legs are covered in fine spines and hairs, designed for rapid running across sheet webs rather than climbing smooth vertical glass.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to immobilize insect prey. The venom has no significant medical impact on humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare and typically only occur if the spider is directly squeezed or trapped against the skin; symptoms are usually minor and localized, comparable to a mild insect sting.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. If removal is desired, gently capture the spider using a glass and a piece of paper and release it outdoors, or simply allow it to remain as a natural pest deterrent.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution found worldwide, particularly in temperate regions. Highly synanthropic, commonly inhabiting human dwellings, basements, garages, barns, sheds, and occasionally rock walls outdoors.
Behavior & Temperament
Timid and non-aggressive. They spend most of their time hidden inside their funnel retreat, bolting out only when vibrations signal prey trapped on the sheet web. They generally flee when disturbed rather than attack.
Diet & Prey
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on crawling and flying household pests including flies, mosquitoes, silverfish, ants, and other small spiders.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with mature males frequently wandering out of their webs in late summer and autumn in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a familiar and harmless resident of homes and outbuildings worldwide. Recognized by its brownish patterned body and signature sheet web ending in a tubular hideout, this efficient predator quietly helps control indoor insect populations.
Key Features
Elongated brownish abdomen with chevron markings, funnel-shaped sheet web, banded legs, and preference for dark corners in indoor or sheltered outdoor environments.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider), which is considerably larger; and Loxosceles reclusa (Brown Recluse), which lacks abdominal patterns, banded legs, and funnel webs.
Life Cycle
Females produce papery, disc-shaped egg sacs hidden near the web retreat containing dozens of eggs. Spiderlings hatch and disperse to form their own webs. Adults can live for several years, with females generally outliving males.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest controller in domestic and agricultural settings, helping to regulate populations of nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, highly secure and abundant globally due to close association with human habitats.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating appearance and speed, these spiders are completely harmless to humans and play a beneficial role in natural pest control within buildings.
Photography Tips
Photograph from above or a slight angle to capture the dorsal abdominal pattern and leg banding. Use macro lighting and avoid disturbing the spider to capture its natural resting posture near its web retreat.
Identified: 2026-10-18T03:17:13.809852