Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-web weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
The body features a distinct, flattened oval abdomen and a somewhat elongated cephalothorax. The texture appears moderately hairy with visible spination on the legs, typical of agelenids.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges typically from 6 to 12 mm for females, with a leg span reaching up to 25 to 30 mm, consistent with an adult or near-adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Features a yellowish-brown or dirty-white base coloration with mottled greyish-brown patterns. The abdomen typically displays mottled chevron markings, while the cephalothorax shows darker longitudinal stripes.
Web Type
Constructs a characteristic sheet web that terminates in a tubular retreat or funnel, usually spun in corners, crevices, or near ground level.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved horizontal rows of four, typical of the funnel-weaver family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, tapering legs with noticeable spines and faint dark banding. The legs are well-adapted for rapid sprinting across sheet webs rather than web-building acrobatics.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to subdue insect prey. It is generally not potent enough to cause systemic effects in humans.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. Bites are extremely rare, usually resulting in minor, temporary local pain or redness comparable to a mild mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed beyond normal caution. If relocation is desired, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of cardstock.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution. Commonly found in human habitations, basements, sheds, barns, and protected outdoor crevices near ground level.
Behavior & Temperament
Timid and fast-moving. They generally retreat rapidly into their tubular webs when disturbed and rarely bite unless directly trapped against skin.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on various crawling and flying insects including flies, beetles, roaches, and other small spiders.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with mature males frequently wandering in search of females during late summer and autumn.
Description
Tegenaria domestica, commonly known as the barn funnel weaver or house spider, is a familiar inhabitant of human structures worldwide. Recognized by its brownish, patterned body and swift movements across a signature sheet web, it serves as a silent, efficient controller of household insect populations.
Key Features
Mottled brownish body with chevron abdomen patterns, elongated spinnerets visible at the rear, and construction of a sheet web with a tubular retreat.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider) and other agelenids, which are generally larger and darker; wolf spiders (Lycosidae) which do not build webs.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in hidden areas near the web during autumn. Spiderlings emerge in spring, undergoing multiple molts to reach maturity with a typical lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest controller in homes, barns, and outbuildings by regulating populations of nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widely distributed globally.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating speed and web structure, they are completely harmless to humans and play a beneficial role in controlling household pests.
Photography Tips
Use natural or diffuse lighting to avoid harsh shadows, maintain a safe distance to prevent startling the spider into retreating, and focus sharply on the dorsal markings and eyes.
Identified: 2026-07-30T19:39:29.870137