Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely, though Eratigena species are similar)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated, somewhat flattened body with a cephalothorax that shows two longitudinal dark stripes. The abdomen is mottled with a series of chevrons or spots. The overall texture is hairy or velvety.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length 7-12mm for females, males slightly smaller but with longer legs. Leg span often reaches 25-35mm.
Coloration & Markings
Drab colors ranging from grey to brown and pale yellow. Features a distinct pattern of darker spots or 'herringbone' chevrons on the abdomen and two dark stripes on the carapace.
Web Type
Funnel web; a flat, sheet-like horizontal web leading into a silk tube or funnel where the spider retreats.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two slightly curved rows, providing good vision for detecting motion along the web surface.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs that are noticeably hairy (setose) and often feature faint banding or rings. They are built for high speed on their own silk sheets.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a mild venom used to subdue insects; the venom is not considered toxic or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Low medical significance. Bites are extremely rare and typically result only in minor localized redness or swelling, similar to a mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
If found, they can be easily caught in a jar and moved outside. They are not a threat to pets or children and prefer to stay hidden.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution worldwide; commonly found in dark corners of basements, garages, barns, and warehouses behind stored items.
Behavior & Temperament
Very shy and non-aggressive. They are lightning-fast runners that flee to their funnel retreat at the slightest vibration. They are primarily nocturnal hunters.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators eating flies, carpet beetles, moths, and other small household insects that land on their silk sheet.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but most visible in late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
A common household resident, the Barn Funnel Weaver is a master of speed and architectural silk-work, often living unnoticed in corners until disturbed.
Key Features
Flat horizontal sheet web with a funnel retreat, hairy legs, and dark longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax.
Similar Species
Often confused with the Giant House Spider (Eratigena duellica) which is much larger, or the Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) which lacks the distinct banding on legs.
Life Cycle
Females produce lens-shaped egg sacs suspended in or near the web. They can live for one to two years, often overwintering in buildings.
Ecological Importance
Provides excellent free pest control by consuming indoor nuisance insects like silverfish and flies.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated, but populations are stable and widespread due to their association with human structures.
Interesting Facts
Despite their frightening speed, they are effectively blind to stationary objects and rely almost entirely on vibrations to 'see' their world.
Photography Tips
Focus on the carapace to capture the stripe patterns. High shutter speeds are needed if the spider is moving, as they are exceptionally fast.
Identified: 2026-05-18T12:44:57.946766