Barn Funnel Weaver, Barn Spider, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized, somewhat elongated spider featuring a distinctively patterned cephalothorax and an elongated oval abdomen covered in fine hairs, typical of funnel weavers.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 6 to 12 mm for females and slightly smaller for males, with a leg span reaching up to 3 to 4 cm.
Coloration & Markings
Brownish coloration with a distinctive pattern of darker brown or yellowish patches and mottled markings on the abdomen, and longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax.
Web Type
Builds a sheet web that funnels into a retreat tube where the spider hides, typically constructed in dark, undisturbed corners, basements, or near baseboards.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small, dark eyes arranged in two slightly curved horizontal rows across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs with distinct dark banding, covered in fine setae and spines, held in a sprawling posture typical of wandering and funnel-web spiders.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild venom used to subdue invertebrate prey, which is virtually harmless to humans.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant; bites are extremely rare and typically only occur if the spider is tightly squeezed against human skin, resulting in minor, localized irritation.
Safety Recommendations
Safely relocate them outside using a container and a piece of paper if they are unwelcome indoors; wear gloves if handling woodpiles where they might shelter.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution found worldwide in temperate regions; frequently inhabits human dwellings, barns, cellars, outbuildings, and rock piles.
Behavior & Temperament
Non-aggressive and secretive, generally fleeing rapidly into its funnel retreat when disturbed rather than striking.
Diet & Prey
Carnivorous; feeds primarily on household insects such as flies, mosquitoes, roaches, and silverfish captured via its sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Most commonly seen wandering in late summer and autumn when mature males leave their webs in search of females.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a frequent indoor companion in homes across the temperate world, often found scurrying across floors or waiting inside its signature sheet-and-funnel web built near baseboards. Though their quick movements can startle homeowners, they are harmless, beneficial predators that help control household insect populations.
Key Features
Long, banded legs, patterned brown body, and the characteristic sheet web leading to a tubular retreat.
Similar Species
Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica) and Hobba Spider (Tegenaria agrestis), distinguished primarily by size, subtle genital morphology, and specific geographic range.
Life Cycle
Females produce silken egg sacs in the autumn, which overwinter or hatch into spiderlings that mature over one to two years with a total lifespan of several years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest controller within residential and agricultural structures by preying on common household pests.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widely distributed globally.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating speed and size, they are notoriously timid and spend the vast majority of their lives hidden inside their silken funnel retreats.
Photography Tips
Use a macro lens with good side lighting to highlight the leg banding and cephalothorax patterns while keeping a safe, non-disruptive distance.
Identified: 2026-09-13T18:37:49.843258