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Barn Funnel Weaving Spider
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Tegenaria
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The spider species Tegenaria domestica, commonly known as the Barn funnel weaver spider, the Lesser house spider, the Common House Spider, or the Domestic house spider, is a member of family Agelenidae, and a close relative of the hobo spider. Although its bite is unpleasant, they are rarely known to bite.
The female barn funnel weaver spider can reach 7.5–11.5 mm (.3–.45 in); the male 6–9 mm (.24–.35 in).[1] The male has longer legs and a more slender abdomen than the female, and the legspan can reach up to one inch.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between the barn funnel weaver spider and Hobo spider, as they both may have a herringbone pattern on the abdomen; however, the Barn funnel weaver is generally smaller in size, a darker shade of brown, with small circles on the abdomen and a striped pattern on the legs.
The barn funnel weaver spider is commonly encountered by humans; however, it rarely bites and its venom is not toxic to humans. On the other hand, the hobo spider (T. agrestis), is believed by many to have a harmful bite, though this is disputed.
These spiders generally build a flat sheet-like web with a funnel shaped retreat at one end. These webs can become quite large if undisturbed. When prey stumbles into the web, the domestic house spider dashes out of the funnel and attacks it. These spiders are generally very active at night. They are not a seasonal spider and can be found year-round if their habitat is survivable. The Barn funnel weaver is commonly found in both Europe and most of the United States.It is thought to have been introduced into the Americas by British colonists who would have unwittingly provided it passage across the Atlantic.
(Info. Wikipedia) |
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14 August, 2010:
Hi, my name is Jerry, I live in Salem, Oregon.. I really appreciate your site! I found a large spider at my work today. I see these spiders all the time. I think they are Giant House Spiders, but I can't find any definitive information that clearly distinguishes the Tegenaria duellica from the Tegenaria agrestis. What are your thoughts? Thanks. |
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Reply: This may be
another one -
glen
24 April, 2010:
Can you identify this spider I found in my bathroom sink in lower level of
my house? I wonder if it's a Hobo or Brown Recluse. This was the 5th one I
found in a few day, OUR weather here in Harrisburg, PA was very hot last
couple of days. The temperatures almost reached 90 degrees. Do you think
that has anything to do with sudden appearance of spiders? I found them when
temperatures suddenly dropped into the 40's and 50's.
Thank you,
Maria
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Reply: I think it is
tegenaria domestica, the barn funnel weaving spider as well-
glen
24 April, 2010:
Greetings, Glen!
We found this spider in our bathroom in Raleigh NC. It's not that big, but has very defined markings. From the pics on your site, it seems it could be a fishing spider, but i didn't think we had them here. Do you recognize it?
Your site is great!!
Thank you!
Mary
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Reply: I think it is
tegenaria domestica, the barn funnel weaving spider -
glen
8 April, 2010:
Hello,
Could you tell me what kind of spider this is and if it is harmful? My cat was playing with it and could have been bit by it.
Thank you!
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Reply: I think it is
tegenaria domestica, the barn funnel weaving spider -
glen
8 April, 2010:
I have been finding these quarter size, fairly fast moving spiders in my downstairs room. I live in a raised ranch in upstate NY (Niskayuna, NY to be specific), this room can be sometimes cooler and maybe a tad damp feeling. As you can see from the pictures they appear to be dark brown with some light banding on the legs and a marking on the body. My concern is are they poisonous, I have a 15 week old daughter and I'd hate to find one in her nursery!
Any help to identify this would be much appreciated!!! Thanks for your time!!!! I apologize the pictures would have been clearer, but I was too afraid to get any closer!
Jennifer
Geographic Location of Bug: Niskayuna, NY - Upstate NY |
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Reply: I think it is
tegenaria domestica, the barn funnel weaving spider -
glen
5 April, 2010:
Hi
We live in Michigan and found one of these spiders in our daughter's bed, one in the living room and one in the garage. We are not sure what they are. Would you please try to identify it for us? Thank you for your attempt! Hope the pictures are suitable. |
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Reply from Justin:
Glen, Thanks for the super prompt response!
It seems to be in-fact a barn funnel weaver spider. This is due
to the color bands on his legs and the herringbone pattern. The
dominate color is also darker resembleing the Tegenaria
domestica instead of the hobo spider. This is a good thing
because they are less aggressive and not as known to bite. My
cat and I thank you for your help in identifying this spider.
Reply: It is either
tegenaria domestica or duellica, not a hobo spider -
glen
5 April, 2010:
Hello,
Thanks for taking the time to look at my picture and possibly id this spider. I found him on the floor of my home in Rhode Island, USA. the other day. He can spin webs though, he is dark brown with light brown stripes on legs and pattern on mid body. He is about 1 inch in Diameter including legs. He is a quick runner. Thanks!
Attached are the pictures.
-Justin |
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5 September, 2009:
Hi Glenda:
This spider was hanging out near my front door tonight (inside the house). He was in a dark tight spot and I couldn't see where he was under the cup so unfortunately the berber carpet claimed some of his legs when I collected him (the last few I caught were released outside). I think it's a Barn Funnel Weaving Spider. Once I got a good look at it I had to keep reminding myself that I don't live in an area that has Hobo Spiders! I was reassured when I read that they don't have bands on their legs like this one does. Photos taken in Southern NJ and free for anyone to use.
Just me,
Laura Lee. |
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3 February, 2006:
Hello, I found this spider in
our bathtub this morning. I checked on your website to see
what kind it might be but I could not figure it out. Could you
possibly help? I'm sure it's probably very common and not poisonous
but we just moved in to this house and I am curious who we are
sharing it with! Thanks so much and I apologize for the photo. I did
not want to get too close. We live in Upstate New York- if
that helps. |
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