Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with an elongated, flattened cephalothorax and a bulbous, slightly pointed egg-shaped abdomen. The body is covered in fine, dense hairs, giving it a velvety appearance. Females have larger abdomens, while males have longer legs and enlarged pedipalps for mating.
Size Estimate
Body length typically 7-12mm for females and 6-9mm for males. Total leg span can reach 25-35mm (approximately 1 to 1.5 inches).
Coloration & Markings
Features a mottled pattern of gray, brown, and buff. The cephalothorax has two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen is adorned with several pairs of chevrons or dark spots against a lighter background, often appearing somewhat 'speckled' or 'dirty'.
Web Type
Constructs a horizontal, flat sheet of dense silk leading to a funnel-shaped retreat in a corner or crevice. These non-sticky webs act as platforms where the spider waits for vibrations.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of equal size arranged in two roughly straight or slightly curved rows of four. This provides a wide field of view to detect movement above the web.
Leg Characteristics
Long, spindly legs that are significantly hairy with visible dark banding or annulations. They lack the thick spines found in wolf spiders and are designed for high-speed running across their silk sheets.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains a mild neurotoxic venom used to paralyze small insects. It is not considered toxic to humans or large pets, with potency much lower than that of its relative, the hobo spider.
Medical Significance
Low medical significance. Bites are extremely rare as the spider prefers to flee. If a bite occurs, it usually results in minor localized redness and swelling similar to a bee sting. No specific medical treatment is usually required.
Safety Recommendations
Harmless and best left alone. If relocation is desired, use a jar and a piece of paper to catch and move them outside to a shed or garden. Seal cracks and crevices to reduce indoor populations.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution worldwide. Primarily found in and around human structures like basements, barns, sheds, and dark corners of houses, but also found under rocks or logs in temperate environments.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast but shy and non-aggressive. They are nocturnal hunters that wait in their funnel retreat and dash out at lightning speeds to grab prey. If disturbed, they usually retreat deep into their funnel or drop to the ground.
Diet & Prey
Feeds on various household insects including flies, gnats, moths, and even other spiders. They detect prey through vibrations on the silk sheet, quickly biting and dragging it back into the funnel.
Seasonal Activity
Visible year-round indoors, but most active and noticeable in late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
An ubiquitous resident of human dwellings, the Barn Funnel Weaver is a master of the dark corners. While its hairy appearance and speed can be startling, it is a beneficial roommate that provides free pest control. Its signature funnel web is a marvel of biological engineering, serving as both a home and a vibration-sensitive hunting ground.
Key Features
Funnel-shaped web retreat, two dark stripes on the cephalothorax, banded legs, and an exceptionally fast running speed.
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger, and Eratigena agrestis (Hobo Spider) which lacks the distinct leg banding.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs containing up to 50 eggs, often covering them with debris for camouflage. Spiderlings emerge in spring. The lifespan can reach up to 1-2 years in stable indoor environments.
Ecological Importance
Crucial for indoor pest management, consuming significant numbers of disease-carrying flies and structural pests like silverfish and moths.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN; considered stable and very common due to their adaptation to human environments.
Interesting Facts
Despite their fragile look, they can survive for months without food or water. They are one of the most common spiders found in bathtubs because they fall in while looking for water and cannot climb the smooth porcelain walls.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) pattern of the abdomen and the stripes on the head. Using a macro lens and side-lighting helps highlight the texture of the web and the banding on the legs.
Identified: 2026-07-08T16:22:24.709434