Barn Funnel Weaver, House Spider, Grass Spider
Tegenaria domestica (or Agelenopsis species)
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include elongated posterior spinnerets and a typical funnel-shaped retreat web.
Physical Description
Elongated body with a distinct, pear-shaped cephalothorax and an oval abdomen. The spider is moderately hairy with visible spinnerets projecting from the rear of the abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 6 to 18 mm with a leg span up to 40 mm, typical for an adult or sub-adult house-dwelling funnel weaver.
Coloration & Markings
Brownish-grey base coloration with longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax and a mottled or chevron pattern running down the length of the dorsal abdomen.
Web Type
Sheet web with a tubular retreat (funnel web) placed in corners, near baseboards, or low to the ground in sheltered areas.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved horizontal rows across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long, moderately thick legs with visible spines and subtle dark banding, held flat against the surface in a typical resting or alert posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom primarily used to immobilize small insect prey. Not potent or medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare, typically occurring only when trapped against the skin, and result in mild localized irritation similar to a mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. To relocate, gently place a cup over the spider, slide a piece of paper underneath, and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; commonly found indoors in houses, basements, and sheds, as well as outdoors in woodpiles, rock walls, and dense vegetation.
Behavior & Temperament
Active nocturnal hunter on its web; runs rapidly when disturbed and retreats quickly into its funnel. Generally non-aggressive toward humans.
Diet & Prey
Insects including flies, mosquitoes, roaches, and other crawling bugs trapped on the horizontal sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Most commonly seen wandering indoors during late summer and autumn when mature males actively search for females.
Description
This swift and efficient hunter is a common indoor and outdoor resident. Recognized by its distinctive funnel-shaped retreat and striped patterning, it plays an active role in keeping household insect populations in check.
Key Features
Elongated spinnerets, distinct dorsal striping on the cephalothorax, and construction of a sheet web featuring a funnel-shaped retreat.
Similar Species
Loxosceles reclusa (Brown Recluse), which lacks the prominent abdominal patterns and hairy legs, and Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider), which is generally larger and darker.
Life Cycle
Females construct silk egg sacs in sheltered areas near the web during autumn. Spiderlings emerge in spring, undergoing multiple molts to reach maturity with a lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural predator of household pests and agricultural insects, contributing significantly to arthropod population control.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, highly secure, widespread, and common globally.
Interesting Facts
Funnel weavers possess exceptionally fast acceleration speeds and can detect vibrations through their webs to instantly pinpoint struggling prey.
Photography Tips
Use natural or diffused macro lighting to capture dorsal stripe patterns and eye arrangements without startling the spider into retreating.
Identified: 2026-08-17T04:56:07.148393