Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include three pairs of spinnerets with the posterior pair notably elongated, and a distinctive funnel-shaped retreat in their webs.
Physical Description
The body is divided into a brown cephalothorax featuring darker lateral stripes and an elongate, oval-shaped abdomen that is grayish-brown with mottled or chevron patterns. The texture appears somewhat hairy.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 6 to 14 mm for females, with a leg span reaching up to 30 to 40 mm. This appears to be an adult specimen based on proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Base color is brownish-grey to yellowish-brown. The cephalothorax has longitudinal dark brown stripes, and the abdomen displays a mottled pattern often featuring chevron-like markings along the dorsal center.
Web Type
A flat, dense sheet web that extends into a tubular retreat or funnel in a corner, typical of Agelenidae. It is non-sticky, relying on knockdown and rapid dashes to capture prey.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved, transverse rows of four across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long, moderately slender legs with visible dark banding or rings, covered in fine setae and spines, adapted for extremely fast running across the sheet web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains neurotoxic venom used primarily to immobilize insect prey. It is low in potency relative to humans and is generally not considered medically significant.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are rare and usually only occur if the spider is trapped directly against the skin. Symptoms are typically mild, consisting of minor localized pain or redness similar to a mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures are necessary. 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, frequently found indoors in human dwellings, cellars, window sills, and garages, as well as outdoors in barns, woodpiles, and stone walls.
Behavior & Temperament
Timid and fast-moving. They spend most of their time hidden inside their funnel retreat, rushing out only when vibrations signal prey trapped on the sheet web. They are not aggressive toward humans and will attempt to flee when disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Primarily feeds on household insects such as flies, mosquitoes, roaches, and other small spiders caught in their sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors due to climate control, though males become particularly noticeable in late summer and autumn as they wander in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a common and familiar resident of human structures around the world. Building intricate sheet webs in neglected corners and window frames, this spider acts as a silent and efficient pest controller. Despite their intimidating speed and web structure, they are entirely harmless and prefer to remain out of sight.
Key Features
Elongated posterior spinnerets, characteristic funnel-shaped retreat leading from a flat sheet web, and distinctive dark banding on the legs and stripes on the cephalothorax.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider), which is generally larger and darker. Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis), which can be distinguished by more subtle abdominal markings and requires closer examination of genital structures for definitive ID.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in autumn, hiding them near the web. Spiderlings hatch in spring, undergo multiple molts to reach maturity, and can live for several years in favorable indoor conditions.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural pest control agent inside homes and outbuildings by reducing populations of nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widely distributed globally.
Interesting Facts
Despite belonging to the funnel-weaver family, they are completely unrelated to the infamous Australian funnel-web spiders (Atracidae) and pose no comparable danger.
Photography Tips
Photograph from above or a slight side angle to capture the chevron patterns on the abdomen and leg banding. Use macro lighting carefully to avoid startling the spider back into its funnel.
User Notes
I think it’s some sort of species of funnel web spider
Identified: 2026-10-04T02:43:49.272646