Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-web weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include three pairs of spinnerets with the posterior pair notably elongated, and a typically web-building habit involving dense, non-sticky sheet webs ending in a tubular retreat.
Physical Description
The body features a distinct oval-shaped abdomen and a longer, tapered cephalothorax. The overall texture is somewhat velvety due to a fine covering of hairs. It displays moderate sexual dimorphism, with males possessing slightly longer legs relative to their body size and enlarged palps.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 6 to 12 millimeters for females and slightly smaller for males, with a total leg span reaching up to 30 to 40 millimeters. This specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult.
Coloration & Markings
Base coloration ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown. The cephalothorax features longitudinal dark stripes, while the abdomen typically displays a mottled pattern of darker brown and grey chevrons or spots.
Web Type
Builds a dense, flat, non-sticky sheet web that acts as a trap, leading into a tubular retreat where the spider hides, waiting for prey to land on the sheet.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes of roughly uniform size arranged in two slightly curved, horizontal rows across the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Long, tapering legs covered in fine hairs and prominent spines, useful for rapidly detecting vibrations across the sheet web and sprinting across surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild, non-lethal venom used strictly to immobilize small insect prey. It is not considered dangerous to humans or pets.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare, typically only occurring if the spider is directly squeezed or trapped against the skin, and usually result in no more than mild, localized irritation similar to a mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures required. If removal is desired, gently place a cup over the spider, slide a piece of paper underneath, and release it outdoors or in a garage.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution found worldwide in temperate regions. Highly synanthropic, commonly found inside houses, basements, sheds, garages, and barns, preferring dark, undisturbed corners.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. Primarily nocturnal hunters that spend most of their time stationary inside their funnel retreats, bolting out rapidly when vibrations indicate prey.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on crawling and flying household insects, including flies, mosquitoes, roaches, and other small spiders.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but males become notably more active and visible in late summer and autumn as they wander in search of mates.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a familiar indoor companion worldwide, recognized by its rapid movements and sheet-like webs tucked into corners. While sometimes startling due to its speed and size, it serves as a beneficial natural pest controller in human dwellings.
Key Features
Elongated spinnerets visible at the rear of the abdomen, distinct dark stripes on the cephalothorax, mottled chevron patterns on the abdomen, and association with dense funnel webs.
Similar Species
Can be confused with the Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) or Giant House Spider (Eratigena duatrica). Positive identification often requires microscopic examination of genitalia, though domestic house spiders tend to be smaller and darker.
Life Cycle
Females produce disc-shaped silk egg sacs in autumn, hiding them near the web retreat. Spiderlings hatch in spring, molt multiple times, and reach maturity within a year or two. Lifespan can extend up to several years for females.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural population control agent for household insect pests, helping to suppress populations of flies and other potential vectors of disease indoors.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but extremely common, widespread, and secure globally with stable populations thriving alongside human habitats.
Interesting Facts
Despite their frightening appearance and incredible speed, they have very poor eyesight and rely almost entirely on physical vibrations felt through their web strands to perceive the world.
Photography Tips
Photograph from above or slightly off-center using natural lighting or a diffused flash to highlight the abdominal patterns. Maintain a steady hand as they may bolt if disturbed.
Identified: 2026-08-12T01:16:02.496980