Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely, though possibly Eratigena sp.)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by long spinnerets and sheet-like webs that narrow into a funnel.
Physical Description
Elongated, somewhat flattened cephalothorax with a teardrop-shaped abdomen. The body is covered in fine, short hairs giving it a matte appearance. This specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult based on leg proportions.
Size Estimate
Body length approximately 6-12mm (females) or 6-9mm (males). Leg span can reach 25-35mm. This specimen appears to be in the typical adult size range.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled brown, grey, and tan. The cephalothorax features two dark longitudinal stripes. The abdomen has a chevron-like pattern or a series of spots along the midline. Legs are distinctly banded or 'annulated' with darker brown rings.
Web Type
A flat, non-sticky sheet web with a funnel-shaped retreat at one end or in a corner. Found in corners of buildings, basements, or woodpiles.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes of similar size arranged in two rows that are slightly curved, though not easily visible in the provided image.
Leg Characteristics
Long, spindly legs that are notably hairy and spiny. The legs exhibit dark banding (annulations), which is a key trait for Tegenaria domestica.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom specialized for small invertebrates. It is not considered toxic to humans.
Medical Significance
Low. Bites are rare and usually cause only minor localized redness or swelling similar to a bee sting. No special treatment is required other than standard antiseptic care.
Safety Recommendations
Harmless to humans. If found, they can be easily relocated using the 'cup and paper' method. No chemical control is necessary.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found worldwide. Highly adapted to human dwellings, barns, sheds, and dark crevices in gardens.
Behavior & Temperament
Skittish and extremely fast runners. They prefer to flee into their funnel retreat when disturbed. They are non-aggressive and only bite if pinned or severely provoked.
Diet & Prey
Opportunistic hunters of house flies, moths, ants, and other small crawling insects that wander onto their sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Year-round in climate-controlled homes; most visible in late summer/autumn when males wander in search of mates.
Description
A common and often overlooked inhabitant of human structures, the Barn Funnel Weaver is a master of the 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy, identifiable by its mottled brown appearance and lightning-fast speed.
Key Features
Distinctive banding on legs, two dark stripes on the cephalothorax, and long posterior spinnerets (though spinnerets are obscured here).
Similar Species
Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger and lacks leg banding; Agelenopsis species (Grass Spiders) which have much longer spinnerets.
Life Cycle
Females lay up to 50 eggs in a silken sac. Offspring may stay near the mother's web initially. Adults can live for 1-2 years in sheltered indoor environments.
Ecological Importance
Excellent indoor pest control, feeding on nuisance insects like flies and earwigs within the home ecosystem.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated, but widespread and stable; often considered a synanthrope (thrives in human environments).
Interesting Facts
They can survive for months without food or water and are one of the most common spiders found in bathtubs because they fall in and cannot climb the smooth porcelain walls.
Photography Tips
To identify Agelenids, try to capture a clear top-down view of the 'face' eyes and a rear view of the spinnerets at the end of the abdomen.
Identified: 2026-06-01T00:29:07.023396