Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely, though Eratigena species are similar)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated, somewhat flattened cephalothorax with a prominent, slender abdomen. The body is moderately hairy with a distinct pear-shaped cephalothorax.
Size Estimate
Body length 7-12mm (females) or 6-9mm (males). Leg span typically reaches 25-50mm. This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled brown, gray, and tan. The cephalothorax features two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen has a chevron-like or 'herringbone' pattern of light spots on a darker background.
Web Type
Funnel web: a flat, sheet-like web leading into a silk tube or retreat. Usually built in corners or crevices.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two rows that are slightly curved, common among agelenids for detecting vibrations and motion.
Leg Characteristics
Long, relatively thin legs with visible hairs and small spines. They generally lack the distinct rings (banding) found in some other funnel weavers.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a weak neurotoxic venom used to subdue small insects. It is not considered toxic to humans.
Medical Significance
Low significance. Bites are rare and usually occur only if the spider is squeezed. Symptoms are typically limited to mild localized pain and swelling similar to a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
Relocate using the 'cup and paper' method if found indoors. No special safety precautions are needed as they are not medically dangerous.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Globally distributed; commonly found in human dwellings, garages, basements, and barns where they prefer dark, undisturbed corners.
Behavior & Temperament
Active hunters within their webs, known for extreme speed. They are shy, non-aggressive, and will quickly retreat to their funnel if disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators eating house flies, moths, ants, and other small crawling insects that wander onto their sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Year-round indoors, but most visible in late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
A common fixture in human households, the Barn Funnel Weaver is a master of speed and architectural silk construction. Often seen darting across floors when displaced from their corners.
Key Features
Two dark stripes on the cephalothorax, chevron pattern on the abdomen, and the absence of clear leg banding (differentiating it from species like the Giant House Spider).
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger, and Eratigena agrestis (Hobo Spider) which has less distinct abdominal markings.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs suspended in or near the web. Spiderlings disperse via ballooning or crawling. Can live 1-2 years.
Ecological Importance
Highly beneficial for natural pest control inside homes, keeping populations of flies and nuisance insects in check without chemicals.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; stable and abundant worldwide due to its success in human-altered environments.
Interesting Facts
Despite their speed, they are terrible climbers on smooth vertical surfaces like glass or porcelain, which is why they are often found trapped in sinks and bathtubs.
Photography Tips
Top-down (dorsal) views are best for showing the stripe and chevron patterns used for identification. Macro shots of the eyes and spinnerets are helpful.
Identified: 2026-07-08T13:24:52.057263