Hololena

Distinguished from the similar genus Agelenopsis by spinneret length and orientation: Hololena has short spinnerets often directed inward, while Agelenopsis (and Calilena) have long spinnerets held parallel to each other. Hololena is also smaller on average (females 9–12 mm vs. 10–20 mm in Agelenopsis). Definitive identification to species requires microscopic examination of genitalia. The genus is restricted to western North America, whereas Agelenopsis occurs more broadly.

Medium-sized spiders with females measuring 9–12 mm and males 8–9 mm in body length. Carapace bears two parallel or converging dark stripes on a pale background. Abdomen has a central reddish or brownish longitudinal band, often bordered by pale wavy lines. Legs are annulated with alternating light and dark bands. Spinnerets are short and often directed somewhat inward toward each other—distinguishing them from related genera.

Found in diverse terrestrial environments across the western United States. Common in yards, gardens, and hedges where vegetation provides support for web construction. Also occurs in natural habitats from Washington and Idaho south to southern California and New Mexico. Webs are built close to the ground or on vegetation, with a funnel retreat typically positioned in a sheltered corner.

Endemic to western North America, ranging from Washington and Idaho south through California to New Mexico. One species (H. septata) extends into Mexico. The genus appears restricted to roughly the western third of the continental United States.

Active throughout the growing season. Mature males wander in search of females from late summer through fall, with observations extending into October and November in Colorado. Juveniles and males may enter buildings year-round. Egg sacs are produced after mating, with spiderlings emerging in favorable weather conditions.

Females deposit eggs in silk-wrapped sacs. Spiderlings may overwinter within egg sacs, emerging when temperatures become favorable. Males reach maturity and disperse to find mates, often wandering into human dwellings. Females may live longer, maintaining webs in sheltered locations.

Construct flat, hammock- or bowl-shaped sheet webs with a funnel-like retreat in one corner. The web is non-sticky; a tangle of threads above the sheet intercepts flying insects, knocking them onto the platform. The spider detects vibrations through the web and rapidly emerges to subdue prey, dragging it back into the retreat. Males court females through stereotyped vibrational signals (1–6 bouts) that induce cataleptic paralysis in receptive females, allowing safe approach and copulation. Males can differentiate webs of virgin from mated females using chemical or tactile cues.

Predator of flying and crawling insects. Webs may become locally abundant in suitable habitat, with multiple individuals occupying hedges or garden vegetation. Contributes to insect population regulation in both natural and anthropogenic environments.

Frequently encountered in and around human dwellings, particularly in the western United States. Juveniles and mature males commonly wander indoors. Documented bites are rare; three verified cases involved mild to moderate symptoms including pain, swelling, headache, and vomiting (4-hour duration in two cases), with full recovery without medical intervention. One case (female bite) resulted in very mild reaction. Not considered medically significant.

• AgelenopsisLarger body size (10–20 mm females), long spinnerets held parallel to each other, broader geographic distribution across North America. Both genera construct similar funnel webs and share general color pattern.
• CalilenaAlso has long spinnerets held parallel, distinguished from Hololena by spinneret orientation and presumably geographic distribution.

• funnel-web spider
• western North America
• common yard spider
• mildly venomous
• web-building spider

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Hololena Funnel-web weavers
• Bug Eric: ArachNovember?
• Male adaptations to minimize sexual cannibalism during reproduction in the funnel‐web spider Hololena curta