Barn Funnel Weaver (Tegenaria domestica)

Discover the Barn Funnel Weaving Spider, a spider known by various names worldwide, like the Domestic House Spider in Europe and the Common House Spider in the Pacific Northwest. Jump into the world of these intriguing creatures, closely related to the popular hobo spider.

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

• Size: Females are larger with a length of 7.5–11.5 mm (0.30–0.45 in), while the males are between 6–9 mm (0.24–0.35 in).
• Color: Body color varies from dark orange to brown, beige, or grayish with striped legs and two faint, black, longitudinal stripes across the cephalothorax. The abdomen region is marked in beige, gray, or brown.
• Other Characteristic Features: They have an elongated body with a straight abdomen and a flat cephalothorax. They are known for their high speed and can move at lightning speed from one corner of the web to another if they are attacked or can sense that their prey has got stuck in the web.

Eggs

In late autumn, the female lays its eggs. Each egg sac contains up to 50 eggs and is placed at the tip of the funnel suspended from silk lines, or in other locations close to the web where the mother protects the eggs until they are ready to hatch. In its entire lifespan, the female can produce up to nine egg sacs.

Spiderlings

The baby funnel weaver spiders undergo a process of simple metamorphosis. The spiderlings hatch out of the eggs and resemble a tiny version of the adults.  As they grow, they keep shedding their skin.

Are Barn Funnel Weaver Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Barn Funnel Weaver Spiders are venomous, but their venom is not considered harmful to humans.

Can Barn Funnel Weaver Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite, but bites are rare and usually occur when they feel threatened. The bite is mild and not of major concern for humans. Their bite will not develop symptoms greater than the grass spider, their cousin, which only gives mild symptoms like local swelling, redness, or some itching.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Barn Funnel Weaver

As predators, Barn Funnel Weaving Spiders control insect populations, aiding in the balance of ecosystems. They are swift and efficient hunters, capable of moving at remarkable speeds to capture their prey or evade threats.

Natural Predators: These spiders face predation primarily from reptiles such as lizards and snakes, and avian species, which are vital in maintaining the natural checks and balances within their habitats.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The dynamic between the Barn Funnel Weaver and its prey is a fundamental aspect of their ecological significance. They primarily consume a variety of insects, which may include pests, contributing to the health of their environments.

Relationship with Humans: While venomous, the Barn Funnel Weaving Spider is not a threat to humans. Bites are infrequent and usually result from accidental contact. When they do occur, the effects are mild, posing little risk. However, due to their tendency to reside in human structures, these spiders often elicit unwarranted fear despite their beneficial role as natural pest controllers.

Quick Facts

Did You Know

• If the cobweb of this spider is attacked or destroyed, the creature hurriedly escapes and often coils its body into a ball against some nearby object.
• They are known to be photosensitive, i.e., move or flee away from the light.
• They are also called ‘drain spiders’ since they are often stuck in sinks and cannot crawl out.

In summary, the Barn Funnel Weaving Spider, despite its common presence around human dwellings, is a mostly misunderstood ally in insect control.