Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider
Tegenaria domestica (likely, based on morphology and indoor setting)
Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a pear-shaped cephalothorax and an oval-to-elongated abdomen. The surface is covered in fine, short hairs giving it a matte appearance. Females have a larger abdomen, while males have longer legs and bulbous pedipalps.
Size Estimate
Body length 7-12mm for females, 6-9mm for males; leg span can reach 25-40mm. This silhouette suggests an adult or sub-adult.
Coloration & Markings
Typically pale brown to greyish-yellow with darker mottled patterns on the abdomen. The cephalothorax often features two dark longitudinal stripes. Legs are usually solid brown without heavy banding.
Web Type
A flat, sheet-like web that narrows into a funnel-shaped retreat at one corner or edge. Webs are typically built in corners where the wall meets the floor or ceiling.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two slightly curved rows of four. The eyes are small and of similar size, which is typical for Agelenids that rely on web vibrations.
Leg Characteristics
Relatively long and slender legs with visible fine spines. The legs are held in a wide stance to facilitate rapid movement across the sheet web or flat surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a mild neurotoxic venom used to paralyze insects. The venom is not considered medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Low danger level. Bites are rare and usually only occur if the spider is squeezed. Symptoms typically resemble a bee sting with minor swelling and localized pain.
Safety Recommendations
Harmless; relocate using the cup-and-paper method if preferred. No first aid is generally required beyond cleaning a bite site with soap and water if one occurs.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution; found worldwide. Common in human structures, particularly in basements, attics, behind furniture, and in barns or outbuildings.
Behavior & Temperament
A shy, non-aggressive ambush hunter. It stays in its funnel retreat and rushes out rapidly to grab prey that touches the sheet web. It will usually flee when disturbed by humans.
Diet & Prey
Generalist insectivore; feeds on flies, gnats, moths, ants, and other small arthropods. It uses speed and venom to subdue prey quickly.
Seasonal Activity
Visible year-round indoors, but most active and frequently encountered during late summer and autumn mating seasons when males wander in search of females.
Description
The Barn Funnel Weaver is one of the most common spiders found in households globally. It is an master of architectural efficiency, building silk sheets that act as early-warning systems for approaching prey. Although often feared due to its speed and leggy appearance, it is a beneficial roommate that provides free pest control.
Key Features
Distinguished by its funnel-shaped retreat, long legs, and rapid running speed when disturbed. The dual stripes on the cephalothorax and mottled abdomen are diagnostic.
Similar Species
Often confused with Eratigena duellica (Giant House Spider) which is much larger, or the medically significant Loxosceles reclusa (Brown Recluse), which lacks the mottled pattern and has a fiddle-shaped mark.
Life Cycle
Females produce several lens-shaped egg sacs containing up to 50 eggs each. Spiderlings emerge and disperse. Can live up to one or two years in domestic environments.
Ecological Importance
Crucial for controlling indoor pest populations. They provide a natural, chemical-free way to reduce the presence of nuisance insects like flies and silverfish.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN; considered stable and extremely common due to its adaptation to human environments.
Interesting Facts
Despite their name, they can go for several months without food or water. They are incredibly fast runners, capable of covering many times their body length in a single second.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) pattern of the abdomen and cephalothorax. Photographing the spider at the entrance of its funnel web adds helpful context for identification.
Identified: 2026-06-21T18:42:27.324735