Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (most likely)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a pear-shaped cephalothorax and an elongated, oval abdomen. The body is covered in fine, velvety hairs. It demonstrates modest sexual dimorphism, with males having smaller abdomens and longer legs than females.
Size Estimate
Body length typically 7-12mm for females, 6-9mm for males. Total leg span can reach 25-35mm. The specimen in the image appears to be a mature adult.
Coloration & Markings
Generally mottled grayish-brown or tan. The carapace typically features two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen has a series of chevron-like markings or spots along the midline, often with a pale 'speckled' appearance.
Web Type
Builds a flat, sheet-like funnel web. The spider hides in a silk tube at the back of the web. These are non-sticky webs used to detect vibrations from prey walking across the surface.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two slightly curved rows of four. The eyes are relatively similar in size, typical of spiders that rely on silk and vibration rather than acute vision.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs with distinct spines (setae). They lack the heavy banding found in some related species (like the Giant House Spider) but may show faint mottling. These spiders are very fast runners.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a mild neurotoxic venom designed to immobilize small insects. The venom is not considered potent or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are extremely rare and usually occur only if the spider is squeezed against skin. Symptoms are typically less severe than a bee sting, involving localized redness or slight itching.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions are needed. If found indoors and unwanted, they can be easily relocated using a cup and a piece of paper. Wear gloves when moving rocks or woodpiles.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as crevices under rocks, logs, basements, and behind furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely shy and non-aggressive. They are nocturnal hunters that wait in their funnel retreats for prey. When disturbed, they prefer to run quickly back into a crevice rather than bite.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators that eat flies, moths, beetles, and other small insects that happen to walk across their silk sheet. They use high speed to overtake prey before it can escape.
Seasonal Activity
Visible year-round indoors, but most active outdoors from late summer through autumn during the mating season.
Description
A ubiquitous and beneficial resident of both gardens and human dwellings, the Barn Funnel Weaver is an expert at controlling indoor and outdoor pests. It is characterized by its lightning-fast reflexes and its signature funnel-shaped web.
Key Features
Pale chevron markings on the abdomen, two stripes on the carapace, long spiny legs, and the lack of a prominent 'violin' shape (distinguishing it from recluse spiders).
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger, and Loxosceles reclusa (Brown Recluse) which lacks the mottling and has a distinct violin mark.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs, which they may guard or camouflage with debris. Spiderlings disperse via ballooning. They can live for one to two years depending on environmental conditions.
Ecological Importance
Serves as a vital natural pest control agent, consuming domestic pests like roaches, flies, and silverfish.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are stable and widespread across its global range.
Interesting Facts
Despite their common presence in homes, they are remarkably long-lived for small spiders and are capable of surviving for months without food or water.
Photography Tips
To identify, try to capture a clear shot of the top of the abdomen (the 'pattern') and the carapace (head area). Use a macro lens or high-resolution zoom while the spider is stationary in its web.
User Notes
Found under a rock
Identified: 2026-06-22T04:34:29.390150