Giant House Spider
Eratigena duellica (formerly Tegenaria gigantea)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by long spinnerets and lightning-fast movement.
Physical Description
A robust, long-legged spider with a teardrop-shaped abdomen and a somewhat rectangular cephalothorax. The body is covered in fine, short hairs giving it a velvety appearance.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length 12-18mm; leg span can reach 2-4 inches (50-100mm). This appears to be a mature specimen based on the leg-to-body ratio.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled brown, tan, and gray. The cephalothorax features two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen typically has a series of pale chevrons or speckles against a darker brown background.
Web Type
Builds a flat, sheet-like funnel web in corners or crevices. The web leads into a silk tube where the spider retreats. It does not have sticky silk but relies on speed to ভব capture vibrations.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two slightly curved rows of four. This provides excellent motion detection for hunting.
Leg Characteristics
Notably long and thin compared to the body. They lack heavy banding (unlike many wolf spiders) and are covered in fine sensory hairs (trichobothria) to detect air currents.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild venom used to paralyze insect prey. The venom is not considered medically significant to humans, generally resulting in less reaction than a bee sting.
Medical Significance
Low danger level. Bites are rare and usually occur only if the spider is pressed against skin. Symptoms are typically limited to minor localized redness, swelling, and itching.
Safety Recommendations
Relocate using the 'cup and cardboard' method if they are unwelcome. Seal cracks and gaps around doors if you wish to prevent them from entering the home.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found in Europe and the Pacific Northwest of North America. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like garages, basements, woodpiles, and behind furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast runners, often cited as some of the fastest spiders in the world. They are timid and will flee toward dark corners when disturbed, rarely acting aggressively.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on house flies, silverfish, beetles, and even other spiders (including the Hobo spider). They use their speed to dash out and grab prey that lands on their sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but most visible in late summer and autumn (August-October) when males wander into open spaces looking for mates.
Description
The Giant House Spider is a common, often startlingly large occupant of human dwellings. While their size and speed can be intimidating, they are beneficial 'roommates' that provide free pest control against less desirable insects.
Key Features
Large leg span, two dark stripes on the cephalothorax, long spinnerets at the rear of the abdomen, and extreme running speed.
Similar Species
Eratigena agrestis (Hobo Spider), which is smaller with shorter legs; and Lycosidae (Wolf Spiders), which have a different eye arrangement and thicker legs.
Life Cycle
Females produce several white, papery egg sacs throughout the year. Spiderlings emerge and often stay near the mother's web for a short period before dispersing. Lifespan is approximately 2-3 years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a major apex predator within the micro-ecosystem of a household or garden, significantly reducing populations of nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN; generally considered common and stable throughout its range.
Interesting Facts
The Giant House Spider held the Guinness World Record for spider speed until the late 20th century, clocked at speeds over 1.7 feet per second.
Photography Tips
Focus on the cephalothorax to capture the stripe pattern. Use a fast shutter speed to account for their quick movements, and shoot from a top-down angle for identification.
Identified: 2026-07-01T19:14:23.561799