Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated, teardrop-shaped abdomen with a flattened cephalothorax. The body is covered in fine, velvety hairs and features relatively long, tapered legs.
Size Estimate
Body length 7–12mm; leg span 25–40mm. This appears to be an adult specimen based on the visible proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled grey, brown, and tan. The cephalothorax often shows two dark longitudinal stripes, while the abdomen features a chevron-like pattern or series of dark spots on a lighter background.
Web Type
Funnel web: a flat, sheet-like web ending in a silk tube or funnel where the spider retreats. Typically built in corners, crevices, or under debris.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two slightly curved rows, appearing as a compact group at the front of the head.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs with visible fine hairs and occasional small spines. They typically lack the heavy banding seen in some larger relatives like the Giant House Spider.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
The venom is neurotoxic/cytotoxic specialized for paralyzing insects but has very low potency in humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are rare and usually only occur if the spider is pressed against skin. Symptoms are typically less severe than a bee sting, involving minor swelling or redness.
Safety Recommendations
Keep areas free of clutter to reduce nesting sites. If relocation is desired, use the 'cup and paper' method to move the spider outdoors to a shed or garden.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found worldwide. Prefers dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, crawl spaces, barns, and crevices in rocks or logs.
Behavior & Temperament
Skittish and extremely fast. They are sit-and-wait predators that stay in their funnel retreat until vibrations on the sheet web signal prey. Non-aggressive; they typically flee when disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Insects like flies, moths, and beetles, as well as other small arthropods. They rush out from the funnel to bite and drag prey back inside.
Seasonal Activity
Year-round indoors; most visible in late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
A common sight in human dwellings, this spider is a master weaver of silken sheets. Its mottled earthy tones allow it to blend perfectly with dust and debris in dark corners. While its speed can be startling, it is an essential and harmless roommate that provides free pest control.
Key Features
Funnel-shaped retreat web, mottled grey/brown chevron pattern on abdomen, and high-speed running capability.
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger, and Agelenopsis species (Grass Spiders) which have much longer spinnerets.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs suspended in or near the web. Spiderlings disperse via ballooning. Adults can live for 1 to 2 years.
Ecological Importance
Significant predator of indoor pests including flies, gnats, and silverfish, helping to maintain ecological balance in both man-made and natural environments.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; stable and abundant worldwide due to its adaptability to human structures.
Interesting Facts
They can survive for months without food or water. In folklore, they were once thought to bring good luck to a household by catching 'disease-carrying' flies.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) pattern of the abdomen and the arrangement of eyes. Macro settings are necessary to capture the fine leg spines and hair textures.
Identified: 2026-07-03T17:46:10.462012