Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include three pairs of spinnerets (with the posterior pair noticeably elongated), eight eyes arranged in two slightly curved rows, and a tendency to build sheet-like webs that terminate in a retreat tube or funnel.
Physical Description
The spider has a distinct elongated, oval-shaped abdomen and a robust, slightly flattened cephalothorax. The body is covered in fine, short hairs, giving it a somewhat velvety or matte texture. The proportions show moderately robust legs and a compact central body.
Size Estimate
Body length is approximately 7 to 14 millimeters, with a leg span reaching up to 30 to 40 millimeters. This specimen appears to be an adult or a late-stage subadult.
Coloration & Markings
The coloration is primarily brownish, featuring mottled shades of grayish-brown, beige, and dark brown. The abdomen displays distinctive chevron or herringbone patterns down the dorsal side, while the cephalothorax typically shows subtle darker longitudinal stripes or markings.
Web Type
Builds a sheet web, specifically a funnel web. These webs consist of a tightly woven, flat horizontal sheet of silk that extends into a tubular retreat where the spider waits for prey, usually constructed in corners, dark crevices, or near ground level.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes of roughly equal size arranged in two nearly straight or slightly curved horizontal rows across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
The legs are moderately long, slender, and covered in fine hairs and visible spines. They often display faint, dark banding or rings along the segments and are typically held spread out radially on surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic and proteolytic venom used primarily to subdue small invertebrate prey. The venom is generally harmless to humans and large pets.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. Bites are extremely rare, as they prefer to flee, and if forced, the bite typically results in minor, localized irritation, slight redness, or swelling comparable to a mild mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures required. If unwanted indoors, gently capture the spider under a glass and release it outdoors, or simply leave it undisturbed to manage household pests.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution, found worldwide in temperate regions. Prefers human-made structures such as cellars, basements, sheds, garages, barns, and quiet corners of houses, as well as sheltered outdoor rock piles and hollows.
Behavior & Temperament
An active hunter within its web framework, primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. They are generally timid and non-aggressive, choosing to retreat rapidly into their funnel when disturbed rather than striking.
Diet & Prey
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on household insects such as flies, mosquitoes, roaches, moths, and other small spiders that stumble onto the sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with males frequently wandering out of webs during late summer and autumn in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a familiar and harmless indoor roommate across many parts of the world. With its characteristic herringbone pattern on the abdomen and preference for quiet, low-traffic corners, this spider acts as a diligent and natural pest controller in homes and outbuildings.
Key Features
Elongated grayish-brown abdomen with distinct chevron patterns, visible spinnerets at the rear, banded legs, and an association with flat sheet webs ending in a funnel retreat.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider) which is larger and darker, and Loxosceles reclusa (Brown Recluse), which lacks patterned abdomens and possesses a violin-shaped marking.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in autumn, hiding them near the web retreat. Egg sacs contain dozens of eggs that overwinter or hatch in spring. Spiderlings disperse via ballooning or crawling. Adults can live for several years under favorable conditions.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective biological control agent by reducing populations of nuisance insects and other arthropods inside human habitations, while forming part of the local food web for larger predators.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widespread globally due to close association with human habitation.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating appearance and speed when running across floors, Tegenaria domestica are completely harmless to humans and spend their entire lives fulfilling a vital pest-control role indoors.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses or smartphone macro modes with good lighting. Take shots from directly above to capture abdominal chevron patterns clearly, and avoid sudden movements to prevent the spider from fleeing into its retreat.
Identified: 2026-09-20T02:24:35.082283