Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by long posterior spinnerets and a flattened carapace.
Physical Description
The specimen appears to be an exuvia (discarded molt) or a deceased dehydrated specimen. It shows a pear-shaped cephalothorax with a distinct dorsal groove and an elongated abdomen. The body is covered in fine, short hairs (setae).
Size Estimate
Typical body length is 6–12mm for females, with a leg span often reaching 25–40mm. This specimen appears consistent with a sub-adult or adult size.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled brown and tan. The carapace features two dark longitudinal bands. The abdomen usually displays a 'herringbone' or chevron-like pattern of lighter spots against a darker background.
Web Type
Funnel web. They build a flat, sheet-like web ending in a silken tube or 'funnel' where the spider retreats to wait for prey vibrations.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes in two rows of four. The rows are typically slightly procurved, providing a wide field of vision for detecting movement across the web sheet.
Leg Characteristics
Long, relatively thin legs covered in fine hairs and small spines. The legs lack the distinct, heavy banding seen in some wolf spiders, appearing more uniform or faintly mottled.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
The venom is a mild neurotoxin designed to paralyze small insects. It is not considered medically significant to humans or pets.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are rare due to the spider's shy nature. If a bite occurs, it typically results in mild redness or localized itching similar to a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
If found indoors, they can be easily relocated using a cup and a piece of paper. There is no need for professional pest control for this species.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution worldwide. Commonly found in dark, undisturbed areas of buildings, basements, sheds, and under rocks or logs in gardens.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely timid and lightning-fast. They rely on speed to retreat into their funnel when threatened. They are not aggressive and will only bite if pinned against the skin.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators of household and garden insects, including flies, moths, and beetles. They detect prey via vibrations on the sheet web and rush out to subdue it.
Seasonal Activity
Year-round indoors, but most visible in late summer and autumn when males leave their webs to find mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a ubiquitous 'roommate' in many homes. While their presence in corners may be unwelcome to some, they are efficient, silent pest controllers that stay largely out of sight.
Key Features
Long, prominent spinnerets at the rear of the abdomen; two dark stripes on the cephalothorax; funnel-shaped silk retreat.
Similar Species
Often confused with the Giant House Spider (Eratigena duellica), which is much larger, or the Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis), which has less distinct abdominal markings.
Life Cycle
Females lay about 50 eggs in a silken sac attached near the web. They can live for 1–2 years. Males are often seen wandering in late summer searching for mates.
Ecological Importance
Crucial for indoor pest management, naturally reducing populations of flies, gnats, and invasive carpet beetles without the need for chemical pesticides.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but extremely common and stable across its global range.
Interesting Facts
Despite their speed, they have relatively poor climbing ability on smooth surfaces like porcelain, which is why they are often found trapped in sinks or bathtubs.
Photography Tips
Focus on the carapace to capture the stripe pattern and the rear to show the length of the spinnerets. Macro mode is essential for identifying the eye arrangement.
Identified: 2026-06-15T06:38:32.596213