Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-web weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated body with a distinct, oblong abdomen and a robust, brownish cephalothorax featuring darker longitudinal stripes. Covered in fine, velvety hairs.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 6 to 14 millimeters, with a total leg span reaching up to 30 to 45 millimeters.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled brown, beige, and grey coloration. The abdomen typically features chevron or mottled markings, while the legs display faint dark banding.
Web Type
A dense, flat sheet web that funnels into a retreat tube where the spider hides, commonly constructed in corners or window frames.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved, nearly parallel horizontal rows.
Leg Characteristics
Long, tapering legs with noticeable spination and subtle dark banding, held flat against surfaces or within the web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild, insect-specific venom used to immobilize prey. It is generally harmless to humans.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. Bites are extremely rare, occur only in self-defense when trapped against the skin, and typically result in minor local irritation.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. If relocation is desired, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of cardstock and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution globally. Prefers dark, undisturbed areas in human structures, cellars, barns, garages, and window frames.
Behavior & Temperament
Timid and fast-moving. Will rapidly retreat into its funnel when disturbed rather than show aggression.
Diet & Prey
Generalist carnivore feeding primarily on crawling and flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and beetles captured in its sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with mature males most commonly wandering in search of mates during the late summer and autumn months.
Description
A common resident of human habitations, the Barn Funnel Weaver builds intricate sheet webs with retreat tubes in quiet corners and windows. Though its speed and appearance can startle homeowners, it is a harmless and beneficial controller of household pests.
Key Features
Distinct funnel-shaped retreat leading off a flat sheet web, elongated brownish abdomen with chevron patterns, and long, spiny legs.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider) and grass spiders (Agelenopsis spp.), distinguished mainly by size variations and subtle structural differences in genitalia.
Life Cycle
Females produce silk egg sacs in autumn, hiding them near the web retreat. Spiderlings hatch in spring, undergoing multiple molts to reach maturity.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural pest control agent inside buildings, helping to suppress populations of nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but highly abundant and secure globally due to its close association with human environments.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating appearance and incredible running speed, common house spiders are remarkably timid and prefer fleeing to fighting.
Photography Tips
Photograph from above or the side using macro settings, ensuring adequate lighting to capture the distinctive abdominal patterns and leg banding.
User Notes
In between the window on a large multi layer web
Identified: 2026-09-30T22:12:09.210817