Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider, Giant House Spider
Tegenaria domestica / Eratigena duellica group
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by long posterior spinnerets and flat, funnel-shaped webs.
Physical Description
The specimen in the image is a small, brownish spider with a somewhat flattened cephalothorax and an elongated oval abdomen. It has a slightly hairy or 'downy' texture characteristic of Agelenids. Females are generally more robust, while males have longer legs and smaller abdomens.
Size Estimate
Based on the hand for scale, this appears to be a juvenile or a smaller species (Tegenaria) with a body length of 6-10mm and a leg span of approximately 25-35mm. Larger cousins like E. duellica can reach leg spans of 75-100mm.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled brown, grey, and tan. The cephalothorax often features two longitudinal dark stripes. The abdomen has a central 'herringbone' or chevron pattern of lighter spots against a darker background.
Web Type
Funnel web. They create a flat sheet of non-sticky silk with a tubular retreat (funnel) in one corner where the spider hides until vibrations are felt.
Eye Arrangement
8 eyes of similar size arranged in two rows that are slightly curved, though not clearly visible in this specific photo.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs with fine hairs and occasional small spines. They lack the heavy banding found in some other families but may show faint mottling. These spiders are known for extreme speed.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic to insects but extremely mild to humans. The venom is not considered medically significant and is designed to quickly immobilize small arthropods.
Medical Significance
Harmless. A bite might cause minor localized redness or itching similar to a mosquito bite. No systemic symptoms occur. Treatment involves basic cleaning with soap and water.
Safety Recommendations
If finding one on your person, gently brush it off. To relocate, use the 'cup and paper' method. There is no need for chemical pest control as they provide a free cleaning service by eating other bugs.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution. Found worldwide in and around human structures, garages, basements, and sheds. They prefer dark, undisturbed corners.
Behavior & Temperament
Very shy and fast. They are active hunters within their web but will bolt into their funnel at the slightest vibration. They are not aggressive toward humans and will only bite if squeezed or provoked.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators eating flies, moths, beetles, and even other spiders. They detect prey through vibrations on the silk sheet and dash out to deliver a paralyzing bite.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, but most visible in late summer and autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
A common and often misunderstood visitor in homes, the Barn Funnel Weaver is a master of speed and architectural silk construction. These spiders are the 'roadrunners' of the arachnid world, appearing as a blur across the floor when disturbed.
Key Features
Funnel-shaped web, long posterior spinnerets (often visible from above), herringbone pattern on the abdomen, and extreme running speed.
Similar Species
Often confused with Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae), which do not build funnel webs and have much larger eyes, or the medically significant Brown Recluse (Loxosceles), which lacks the abdominal pattern and hairs.
Life Cycle
Females lay egg sacs in the funnel or nearby crevices. Spiderlings emerge and eventually disperse. In the autumn, males are often seen wandering across floors in search of females. Lifespan is typically 1-2 years.
Ecological Importance
Crucial pest controllers in domestic environments. They significantly reduce populations of indoor pests like clothes moths, earwigs, and houseflies.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but extremely common and stable due to their affinity for human-modified environments.
Interesting Facts
House spiders are among the fastest invertebrates for their size, capable of running over 1.5 feet per second. They are also incredibly resilient and can survive for months without water or food inside a dry house.
Photography Tips
To identify these accurately, try to capture a top-down view of the abdomen markings and a clear shot of the spinnerets at the rear. Use a macro lens or high-speed shutter to catch them before they run.
Identified: 2026-06-22T04:36:15.272245