Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely, pending regional confirmation)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by prominent elongated spinnerets.
Physical Description
Flattened cephalothorax with a pear-shaped abdomen. The body is covered in fine hairs (setae), giving it a matte appearance. Legs are long and relatively thin compared to the body.
Size Estimate
Body length 7–12mm; leg span approx 25–40mm. This specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled grey, brown, and buff. The cephalothorax features two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen has a chevron-like pattern of lighter spots on a darker background.
Web Type
Flat, sheet-like funnel web with a silk tube retreat in a crevice. Non-sticky silk; relies on vibration sensing.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes in two nearly straight rows of four. The eyes are relatively small and equal in size, typical of many Agelenids.
Leg Characteristics
Long, spindly legs without heavy banding (distinguishing it from Eratigena). Covered in fine sensory hairs and small spines.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Weak neurotoxic venom optimized for small insects. Not considered toxic or harmful to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are extremely rare as the spider will flee rather than bite. Symptoms are typically less severe than a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
No action is needed. If relocation is desired, use the cup-and-paper method to move the spider outdoors to a shaded garden area.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution. Found worldwide in association with human structures, gardens, and rocky crevices.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast runners but very shy and non-aggressive. They prefer to retreat into their funnel at the slightest vibration or light change.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators of household and garden pests including flies, moths, beetles, and other small arthropods.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors. Males are most frequently spotted in late summer and autumn while wandering in search of mates.
Description
A ubiquitous and beneficial house guest, the Barn Funnel Weaver is an architectural master of silk. Often seen in corners of basements or sheds, it is a master of speed over stickiness.
Key Features
Elongated spinnerets at the rear of the abdomen; two dark stripes on the carapace; chevron pattern on the abdomen.
Similar Species
Giant House Spider (Eratigena duellica) which is much larger, and Grass Spiders (Agelenopsis) which have even longer spinnerets.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs suspended in the web. High longevity for a small spider, sometimes living 1-2 years.
Ecological Importance
Critical for natural pest control in and around human habitations, reducing populations of flies and nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; stable and common globally due to its adaptability to human environments.
Interesting Facts
They can survive for months without food or water and use their sheet webs as high-speed vibration amplifiers to detect prey.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) pattern and the spinnerets. Side-lit macros help reveal the texture of the web and the hairs on the legs.
Identified: 2026-06-18T12:01:30.691259