Tegenaria

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tegenaria: /tɛɡəˈnɑːriə/

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Summary

Tegenaria is a genus of funnel-web spiders, now largely reclassified into the genus Eratigena. They are known for their dark brown coloration, non-descript appearance, and role in controlling insect populations around human habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Coloration mainly dark brown with a lighter sternum marking and three light spots forming an arrow shape. Opisthosoma features a lighter middle line with six spots on each side. Females can reach 18.5 mm in body length, while males range from 12 to 15 mm. Females typically have a leg-span around 45 mm, while males have variable spans from 25 to 75 mm. They are hairy with equal-sized eight eyes arranged in two rows.

Identification Tips

Difficult to identify as they resemble other funnel-web spiders and smaller wolf spiders. Males and females look alike in coloration. Body length measurement should not include the legs, with dimensions varying by species.

Habitat

Commonly found in wooded areas, deserts, coastal areas, grassy fields, and inside man-made structures.

Distribution

Native species in southeastern Arizona and New Mexico; T. domestica is cosmopolitan, while T. pagana is found in various states in the southern and central US.

Diet

Feeds on small insects that are subdued using venom.

Life Cycle

Giant house spider lives for two to three years, but can live up to six years. Males wander to mate from July to October, while females are typically stationary.

Reproduction

At least 60 spiderlings emerge from an egg-sac and are subsocial, remaining together for about a month but do not cooperate in prey capture.

Ecosystem Role

They capture and feed on a variety of small invertebrates, contributing to the ecological balance of their habitats.

Economic Impact

Not a significant pest; generally not harmful to humans or pets, preferring to escape rather than bite.

Cultural Significance

Associated with domestic life; mentioned in popular culture, such as in writings by David Sedaris.

Health Concerns

Bites can penetrate human skin, but they do not pose a significant threat and generally prefer to avoid confrontation.

Evolution

Initially described in the genus Tegenaria, later moved to Eratigena due to phylogenetic studies indicating non-monophyly of the genera. Genetic studies led to recognizing three distinct species.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other funnel-web spiders; previously categorized differently under the genus Tegenaria.