Giant House Spider, Hobo Spider, Funnel Weaver
Eratigena atrica (or Eratigena agrestis)
Agelenidae (Funnel Web Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include long spinnerets and the construction of sheet-like webs that terminate in a funnel-shaped retreat.
Physical Description
Robust body with a relatively elongated oval abdomen and a distinct, broad cephalothorax. The surface has a velvety texture covered in fine hairs. The specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult based on the robust proportions, with visible pedipalps indicating maturity or male characteristics.
Size Estimate
Body length approximately 12 to 18 millimeters, with a leg span reaching up to 45 to 60 millimeters. This fits the typical size range for a large specimen of the funnel weaver group.
Coloration & Markings
Dull brown to yellowish-brown base coloration. The cephalothorax features lighter longitudinal stripes or mottled patterns, while the abdomen typically displays a chevron or herringbone pattern down the dorsal center.
Web Type
Sheet web or funnel web. It constructs a dense, flat sheet of non-sticky silk that leads into a tubular retreat where the spider waits for prey to cross the web surface.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two slightly curved horizontal rows of four, all relatively uniform in size, which is characteristic of the Agelenidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust legs covered in fine hairs and visible spines. The legs are generally uniform in color without distinct contrasting bands, held in a sprawling posture typical of active ground and web hunters.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom used primarily to immobilize insect prey. While historically debated regarding medical significance in related species like the hobo spider, bites on humans are rare, usually cause mild localized pain, and are generally non-lethal.
Medical Significance
Low medical significance. Bites are uncommon and typically occur only when the spider is trapped against human skin. Symptoms usually include minor localized swelling and redness, akin to a bee sting, requiring basic first aid.
Safety Recommendations
Avoid handling with bare hands; if removal is necessary, use a container and a piece of card to gently catch and release the spider outdoors. Seal home entry points to reduce indoor encounters.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found in temperate regions of Europe and introduced to parts of North America. Prefers dark, undisturbed areas such as cellars, basements, garages, hollow logs, and rock piles.
Behavior & Temperament
Fast-moving, nocturnal hunter that relies on its sheet web to detect vibrations. Generally non-aggressive and prefers to flee when disturbed, though females guarding egg sacs may stand their ground.
Diet & Prey
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on crawling insects such as cockroaches, beetles, flies, and other spiders that blunder into the horizontal sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Most commonly seen in late summer and autumn when mature males actively wander in search of females during the peak mating season.
Description
The Giant House Spider and its close relatives are among the most impressive indoor arachnid residents. Known for their incredible speed and intricate funnel webs tucked into dark corners, these spiders play a vital role in controlling household insect populations while remaining generally reclusive.
Key Features
Long prominent spinnerets at the rear of the abdomen, uniform brownish coloration with chevron markings, and the characteristic sprawling stance inside a funnel-shaped web retreat.
Similar Species
Wolf spiders (Lycosidae) which do not spin webs and carry egg sacs, and grass spiders (Agelenopsis) which look very similar but possess more distinctly banded legs.
Life Cycle
Females produce disc-shaped egg sacs in the autumn, guarding them through the winter. Spiderlings emerge in spring, undergoing multiple molts to reach maturity within one to two years, with a total lifespan typically ranging from two to three years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest controller in homes, gardens, and outbuildings by regulating populations of common household insects and other arthropods.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are abundant, widespread, and entirely secure across their native and introduced ranges.
Interesting Facts
These spiders are remarkably fast runners, capable of reaching speeds that can startle humans. Despite their intimidating appearance and size, they are timid and actively avoid human contact.
Photography Tips
Photograph against a neutral background with macro lighting. Capture dorsal views to show abdominal patterns and frontal views to highlight eye arrangement, maintaining a safe distance to avoid startling the spider.
Identified: 2026-09-23T16:09:38.152873