Barn Funnel Weaver

Tegenaria domestica

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tegenaria domestica: //ˌtɛdʒəˈnɛriə dəˈmɛstɪkə//

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Summary

Tegenaria domestica, also known as the Barn Funnel Weaver or Domestic House Spider, is a common spider species that thrives in human environments across much of the world. This non-aggressive spider spins funnel-shaped webs and plays a role in controlling insect populations.

Physical Characteristics

Coloration varies from greyish-brown to dark chocolate brown. Female body length averages 7.5 to 11.5 mm and males average 6 to 9 mm. The species has banding or stripes on its legs, two black longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax, and a mottled abdomen with a chevron pattern.

Identification Tips

Males have longer, more agile legs, bloated pedipalps, and an elongated abdomen compared to females. The presence of faint banding on the legs helps distinguish it from similar species like the Hobo Spider.

Habitat

T. domestica is commonly found in darker areas such as basements, closets, and corners of homes, as well as in wood piles and flower beds outdoors. It prefers places where it can weave a funnel-web.

Distribution

The spider is found throughout North America, Europe, North Africa, parts of the Middle East, and Central Asia. It has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand.

Diet

Tegenaria domestica preys on a variety of small insects and other arthropods, using its funnel web to catch them.

Life Cycle

Young spiders hatch from the egg sac and grow to maturity within a year. Males usually die in autumn after mating, while females can survive multiple years.

Reproduction

Mating occurs in the summer months (June and July), with males typically dying shortly after. Females produce multiple egg sacs, which are often suspended in or near their web.

Ecosystem Role

As an insect predator, T. domestica plays a key role in controlling pest populations in its habitat.

Cultural Significance

This spider species has a cultural presence in various regions, often referred to as the common house spider in Europe and North America.

Health Concerns

Tegenaria domestica is not dangerous to humans and rarely bites, only doing so in self-defense. Bites are unlikely to break the skin.

Collecting Methods

Use of a container to corral the spider from its web.
Carefully guiding the spider into a jar or similar container.

Preservation Methods

Pinning specimens for entomological displays.
Preserving in 70% ethanol for scientific study.

Evolution

Originally thought to be closely related to the Giant House Spider, T. domestica belongs to the genus Tegenaria and has undergone taxonomic reclassification in the past.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

It is often confused with the Hobo Spider, which is more aggressive and potentially dangerous. T. domestica is generally harmless.