Giant House Spider

Eratigena duellica

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Agelenidae
Subfamily: Ageleninae
Genus: Eratigena
Species: duellica

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eratigena duellica: //ɛˌræ.tɪˈdʒiː.nə duːˈɛl.lɪ.kə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

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Summary

Eratigena duellica, also known as the giant house spider, is a species of funnel weaver found predominantly in coastal locations. It is known for its nocturnal behavior and preference for dark, sheltered areas.

Physical Characteristics

Females: approximately 16-18 mm; Males: approximately 10-12 mm; proportionally longer legs than its relatives Eratigena agrestis and Tegenaria domestica; no banding on the legs.

Identification Tips

Look for a nocturnal spider that darts for cover when disturbed, especially in darker areas of the house.

Habitat

Darker areas such as flower beds, wood piles, and corners of basements; also found in natural populations on cliff faces and rocky areas.

Distribution

Main population located in British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington. Also found in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Diet

Insects, possibly other spiders.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes stages such as spiderling, juvenile, and adult with associated egg sacs.

Evolution

Originally classified in the genus Tegenaria before being transferred to Eratigena in 2013; restored as a separate species from Eratigena atrica in 2018.