Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely, though Eratigena species are similar)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by long posterior spinnerets and horizontal sheet webs leading to a funnel retreat.
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a pear-shaped cephalothorax and an elongated oval abdomen. The body is covered in fine hairs (setae), giving it a velvety appearance. Females have a larger, bulbous abdomen, while males have smaller bodies and longer legs.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length 7-12mm for females, leg span approximately 25-40mm. This specimen appears to be an adult based on proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled brown, grey, and tan. The cephalothorax typically features two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen has a chevron-like pattern of lighter spots on a darker background, often appearing as a 'herringbone' design.
Web Type
A flat, horizontal sheet web with a funnel-shaped retreat in one corner. Webs are non-sticky; the spider relies on speed to capture prey that trips on the silk. Typically placed in corners, under furniture, or in crevices.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two rows that are slightly curved. This arrangement provides a wide field of view to detect movement across the sheet web.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs covered in fine hairs and occasional small spines. The legs are generally solid brown or grey, sometimes with faint darker banding in younger specimens. They are built for rapid sprinting.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
The venom is a complex mix of proteins designed to paralyze small insects. It is not considered toxic to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are rare because the spider is timid. If a bite occurs, it typically results in minor localized redness or itching similar to a mosquito bite. No specialized medical treatment is usually required.
Safety Recommendations
If found indoors, they can be safely relocated using the 'cup and paper' method. There is no need for chemical control as they are beneficial and pose no threat to pets or humans.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution, found worldwide. Common in and around human structures, basements, sheds, and dark corners of gardens or stone walls.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely fast runners but generally shy and non-aggressive. They prefer to retreat into their funnel when disturbed. They are nocturnal hunters that wait at the mouth of their funnel for vibrations.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on flies, moths, beetles, and other small crawling insects. They sprint out to grab prey, inject venom, and drag it back into the funnel.
Seasonal Activity
Visible year-round indoors, but most active and noticeable during late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a ubiquitous companion to human habitation. Often seen darting across floors or tucked into stone crevices, these spiders are the masters of the non-sticky sheet web. Their mottled brown camouflage makes them nearly invisible against stone or soil until they move with startling speed.
Key Features
Two dark stripes on the cephalothorax, elongated posterior spinnerets, and the classic flat sheet web with a funnel retreat.
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger with longer legs; Lycosidae (Wolf Spiders) which do not build funnel webs and have much larger primary eyes.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs containing up to 50 eggs, often hung near the web. Spiderlings emerge and may stay near the mother for a short time before dispersing. Lifespan is typically 1-2 years.
Ecological Importance
Significant natural pest control in domestic and agricultural settings, consuming large quantities of indoor pests like flies and gnats.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN but considered stable and abundant globally.
Interesting Facts
Despite their name, they are excellent at pest control and can survive for months without food or water. They are one of the most common spiders found in homes throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) pattern of the abdomen. If the spider is in its web, try to capture the funnel entrance for architectural context. Low-angle shots can highlight the length of the spinnerets.
Identified: 2026-06-24T18:30:15.067280