Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider, Giant House Spider
Tegenaria domestica / Eratigena sp.
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by long spinnerets and horizontal sheet webs.
Physical Description
A medium-to-large spider with an elongated, pear-shaped cephalothorax and an oval-to-tapered abdomen. The body appearance is somewhat flattened with a granular or slightly hairy texture. In this specimen, the carapace shows a distinct narrowed cephalic region.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length 10-18mm; leg span 35-60mm. This appears to be an adult specimen, possibly a male given the leg-to-body proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Dark brown to mottled gray. The abdomen typically features a pale median band with several dark chevrons or spots on either side. The cephalothorax often has two longitudinal dark stripes, though these may be obscured in darker or wet specimens.
Web Type
Builds a flat, non-sticky horizontal sheet web that leads into a silken funnel-shaped retreat in a corner or crevice. They do not use sticky silk, relying on speed to catch prey.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two nearly straight or slightly curved rows. This arrangement provides moderate vision, primarily for detecting motion near the web retreat.
Leg Characteristics
Long, somewhat spindly legs that are noticeably hairy. They lack the heavy spines found on wolf spiders. The legs are typically uniform in color but may show faint banding in some individuals.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains neurotoxic components effective against insects but with very low potency in humans. It is not considered medically significant.
Medical Significance
Low danger level. Bites are rare and typically result only in localized redness, mild swelling, or slight itching similar to a bee sting. No systemic effects are expected.
Safety Recommendations
Use a cup and a piece of paper to safely relocate them outside if found indoors. To prevent them from entering, seal cracks around windows and doors. They are harmless and do not require pest control.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found worldwide near human habitations, including basements, sheds, garages, and dark corners of houses. Naturally found in rock crevices and hollow logs.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast runners but generally shy and non-aggressive. They prefer to retreat into their funnel at the slightest vibration and will only bite if pinned against skin or mishandled.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on various household insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and other spiders. They detect prey vibrations on their sheet web, dash out to bite, and drag it back to the funnel.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors. Males are most visible in late summer and autumn when they leave their webs to wander in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is one of the most common spiders found in human dwellings. Known for their incredible speed and impressive size, they often startle homeowners when they fall into sinks or bathtubs and cannot climb out. Despite their appearance, they are beneficial hunters.
Key Features
Funnel-shaped retreat in the web, long spinnerets at the end of the abdomen, pear-shaped carapace, and rapid running movement.
Similar Species
Often confused with the Wolf Spider (Lycosidae) which has a different eye pattern and no web, or the Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) which is lighter in color and lacks distinct dark spots on the sternum.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs containing up to 50 eggs. Spiderlings emerge and may stay near the mother's web initially. Adults can live 1-2 years, with some females living longer.
Ecological Importance
Provides significant natural pest control in homes and outbuildings, consuming many insects that are considered household nuisances.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; however, they are a globally widespread and stable species with no known threats.
Interesting Facts
Members of this family were once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest spiders in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 1.7 feet per second.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) pattern of the abdomen and the arrangement of the eyes. Side views of the spinnerets are also helpful for confirming the Agelenidae family.
Identified: 2026-06-16T16:20:00.570641