Agelenidae

Common Name

Funnel Weavers or Funnel-Web Spiders

Overview

Agelenidae is a family of spiders encompassing over 1,300 species in 73 genera. These spiders are known for their distinctive funnel-shaped webs, which they use to ensnare prey. Agelenids are found worldwide, with a significant number in North America and Europe.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom : Animalia
• Phylum : Arthropoda
• Class : Arachnida
• Order : Araneae
• Family : Agelenidae

Key Characteristics

• Web Structure : Dense, sheet-like webs with a characteristic funnel retreat.
• Eyes : Eight eyes arranged in two rows.
• Legs : Long legs adapted for running, often with spines.
• Coloration : Generally brown or grey with striped or mottled patterns.
• Body Size : Varies between species, generally medium-sized spiders.

Life Cycle

Agelenids undergo typical spider development:

• Eggs : Laid in silken sacs.
• Spiderlings : Hatch and disperse.
• Juveniles : Undergo several molts before reaching maturity.
• Adults : Live for approximately 1-2 years, with a mating season usually in the late summer to autumn.

Behavior and Ecology

• Web Hunting : Use their webs to detect vibrations of entrapped prey.
• Food : Predominantly insects and other small arthropods.
• Habitat : Prefers grasses, shrubs, and human structures where they can build webs.
• Interaction : Generally non-aggressive towards humans.

Notable Species

• Tegenaria domestica : Common house spider.
• Eratigena atrica : Giant house spider.
• Agelenopsis pennsylvanica : American grass spider.

Conservation

Agelenidae species are not currently known to be threatened or endangered. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations in their ecosystems.

Significance to Humans

• Pest Control : Help reduce insect populations.
• Research : Studied for their web-building behavior and silk properties.
• Myth and Misidentification : Often confused with more dangerous spiders, though they pose little threat to humans.

Fun Facts

• Funnel webs can extend out to several feet in diameter.
• Some species can run very quickly, with speeds up to 1.7 feet per second.
• Despite their formidable webs, most Agelenidae spiders are not harmful to humans.
• The dense silk of their webs has been studied for its unique mechanical properties.