Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include elongated posterior spinnerets and a propensity to build sheet webs ending in a retreat tube.
Physical Description
Elongated, slender body shape with a distinct cephalothorax and a patterned abdomen. Covered in fine, velvety hairs. Females are typically larger and more robust than the males.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 6 to 14 mm with a leg span up to 30 to 40 mm. The specimen in view appears relatively compact, likely an adult or near-adult medium-sized house spider.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled brown, beige, and dark grey coloration. The cephalothorax features characteristic longitudinal dark bands, while the abdomen displays a chevron or mottled herringbone pattern.
Web Type
Builds a horizontal sheet web made of non-sticky, densely woven silk that leads into a tubular retreat where the spider hides, typically found in corners, crevices, or low structures.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved, transverse rows of four across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long, tapering legs with distinct dark and light banding, covered in fine setae and small spines. The legs are held flat and spread wide against surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to subdue insect prey. It is not considered medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare, usually occurring only if the spider is directly trapped against skin. Symptoms are typically limited to mild localized irritation or redness.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. 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, widely found across Europe, North America, and other temperate regions. Prefers human-made structures such as barns, cellars, basements, sheds, and dark corners of houses.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal and generally non-aggressive. They spend most of their time hidden inside their funnel retreat, rushing out rapidly only when vibrations on the web signal potential prey.
Diet & Prey
Carnivorous. Feeds primarily on household pests including flies, mosquitoes, roaches, moths, and other small insects.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during late summer and autumn when mature males actively wander in search of females.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a common yet fascinating tenant of human habitations and outbuildings. Recognizable by its characteristic sheet-like web and mottled brown coloration, this spider acts as a silent, efficient pest controller in dark corners.
Key Features
Elongated spinnerets visible at the rear of the abdomen, distinctive longitudinal stripes on the carapace, and a sheet web ending in a funnel-shaped retreat.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider) and grass spiders (Agelenopsis species). Eratigena species are typically much larger, while grass spiders have distinct spinneret proportions and outdoor habits.
Life Cycle
Females produce disc-shaped silk egg sacs in autumn, hiding them near the web retreat. Spiderlings hatch in spring, undergoing multiple molts to reach maturity. Lifespan generally ranges from 1 to 2 years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural pest control agent in domestic and agricultural buildings by reducing populations of flying and crawling insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widely distributed worldwide.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating speed when running across a wall, these spiders have very poor eyesight and rely almost entirely on vibrations transmitted through their webs.
Photography Tips
Use macro photography with natural lighting or an external diffuser. Maintain a low angle parallel to the surface to capture leg posture and carapace markings clearly.
Identified: 2026-10-05T01:00:36.028797