Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Medium-sized spider with a relatively flattened, elongate-oval body covered in short fine hairs. The cephalothorax features a distinct central longitudinal dark stripe flanked by lighter regions, while the elongated oval abdomen exhibits a characteristic mottled or herringbone pattern.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length around 8-12 mm with a leg span of 25-40 mm; appears to be an adult specimen based on body proportions and leg length.
Coloration & Markings
Muted brownish-gray to earthy tan base coloration. Cephalothorax has two dark longitudinal bands. Abdomen features a dark central cardiac mark surrounded by gray and tan chevrons or mottled patterns.
Web Type
Builds a dense, flat, sheet-like web that leads into a silk funnel or retreat where the spider waits for prey.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved rows across the front of the carapace; eyes are of similar size and tailored for detecting motion.
Leg Characteristics
Long, moderately slender legs covered in fine dark hairs and scattered spines. Dark banding or annulations are visible along the segments.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild, non-toxic venom designed to immobilize small insect prey; completely harmless to humans.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. Bites are extremely rare, usually occurring only if pressed against skin, causing at most mild localized pain and redness comparable to a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
Harmless to humans and pets. If found indoors, it can easily be relocated outside using a clear plastic cup and paper slide.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Nearly worldwide (cosmopolitan distribution). Commonly found in human structures, basements, sheds, garages, exterior walls, and around building foundations.
Behavior & Temperament
Fast-moving, timid, and non-aggressive hunter. It relies on its quick reflexes to retreat into dark crevices or its funnel web when threatened.
Diet & Prey
Predatory insectivore feeding on flies, mosquitoes, moths, beetles, ants, and other small invertebrates.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors; most active outdoors from late spring through autumn, with males frequently seen searching for mates during late summer.
Description
A common companion around human dwellings, the Barn Funnel Weaver is a master of structural webbing. Easily recognizable by its gray-brown tone and fast movements, it plays a vital role as a natural pest control agent around gardens and building perimeters.
Key Features
Sheet and funnel web construction, muted gray-brown striped carapace, mottled chevron abdomen, and long hairy legs with subtle dark banding.
Similar Species
Eratigena atrica (Giant House Spider, larger with longer legs), Agelenopsis species (Grass Spiders, distinguished by prominent elongated spinnerets), and Lycosidae (Wolf Spiders, which do not construct sheet webs).
Life Cycle
Females produce disc-shaped silk egg sacs attached in secluded spots near the web. Spiderlings emerge in spring, undergoing multiple molts to reach adulthood, with adults living 1 to 2 years.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an essential natural predator controlling indoor and outdoor nuisance insect populations such as flies, gnats, and beetles.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated (IUCN status); extremely abundant and widespread across global urban and rural environments.
Interesting Facts
Despite their alarming speed when startled, these spiders have poor eyesight and rely almost entirely on web vibrations to detect prey or threats.
Photography Tips
Photograph from a top-down angle using natural side lighting to highlight the abdominal pattern and carapace stripes clearly.
Identified: 2026-07-28T00:13:15.513998