Barn Funnel Weaver, Common House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include three pairs of spinnerets with the posterior pair significantly elongated, and a distinctly funnel-shaped web.
Physical Description
Robust body with a clearly defined oval abdomen and a distinct cephalothorax. The body is covered in fine, velvety hairs, giving it a somewhat matte texture. Visible palps near the front indicate this is likely an adult male.
Size Estimate
Body length is approximately 10mm to 15mm with a leg span reaching up to 30mm to 45mm, consistent with an adult or near-adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Predominantly dark brown to blackish coloration. The cephalothorax and legs show darker mottling, while the abdomen features subtle, indistinct mottled patterns and lighter brownish highlights.
Web Type
Builds a sheet web that terminates in a tubular retreat or funnel where the spider hides, waiting for prey to vibrate the horizontal sheet.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two slightly curved horizontal rows across the front of the cephalothorax, typical of funnel-weaver spiders.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust legs covered in visible spines and fine hairs. The legs are held in a sprawling posture, adapted for rapid running across flat surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic and proteolytic venom primarily used to immobilize small insect prey. Not potent or specialized for defense against large vertebrates.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare, typically only occurring if trapped against the skin, and result in minor localized irritation similar to a mild mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. If removal is desired, gently trap the spider under a glass and slide a piece of paper underneath to release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution found worldwide, highly associated with human dwellings, basements, sheds, garages, and sheltered outdoor crevices.
Behavior & Temperament
Skittish and fast-moving. Primarily nocturnal hunters that rely on web vibrations to detect prey. Non-aggressive, choosing to flee rapidly when disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Consists primarily of household insects including flies, mosquitoes, roaches, and other small spiders caught in the sheet web.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with mature males wandering openly in search of females during late summer and autumn.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is a familiar and harmless indoor roommate found globally. With its dark, velvety appearance and sprawling legs, it diligently guards its sheet-like web in dark corners, helping naturally control household insect populations.
Key Features
Elongated posterior spinnerets, a horizontal sheet web ending in a funnel-shaped retreat, long spiny legs, and a dark mottled brown body.
Similar Species
Can be confused with other funnel-weavers like Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider) or wolf spiders (Lycosidae), but is distinguished by its characteristic sheet-and-funnel web structure and habitat preferences.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in sheltered corners, depositing dozens to over a hundred eggs. Spiderlings disperse via ballooning or crawling. Adults can live for several years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent within buildings and outbuildings, helping to suppress populations of nuisance insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, abundant, and widely distributed globally due to human commensalism.
Interesting Facts
Despite their intimidating speed, these spiders have poor eyesight, relying almost entirely on fine sensory hairs and web vibrations to perceive their environment.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with adequate side lighting to highlight the leg spination and velvety body texture. Maintain a steady hand as they can move unexpectedly fast.
Identified: 2026-08-16T10:11:26.059370