Barn Funnel Weaver Spider
The Barn Funnel Weaver Spider (Tegenaria domestica) also known as the Lesser House Spider, the Common House Spider, or the Domestic House Spider, is a species of arachnid that is commonly found in Europe and the United States. It is thought to have been introduced to the Americas by British colonists who have unknowingly provided passage across the Atlantic.
The female can attain a length of 3 to 4 inches, while the male is smaller at 2 to 3 inches. The male has longer legs (up to 1 inch) and a thinner abdomen than the female. It is difficult to distinguish this spider from its closely resembled relative (the Hobo Spider). The best way to tell them apart is that the barn funnel weaver is generally smaller, and appears to have darker shading. Small circles on the abdomen and a striped pattern on the legs also distinguishes this species from the Hobo Spider.
This spider builds a flat sheet-like web with a funnel shaped retreat at one end. Undisturbed webs can become quite large. When prey stumbles into the web, the spider dashes out of the funnel and attacks. This spider is generally most active at night. If the habitat is adequate, this species will occur year round.
The Barn Funnel Weaver Spider is commonly encountered by humans. Though its bite is unpleasant, it rarely bites and its venom is not toxic to humans. Its relative the Hobo Spider is believed to have a harmful bite, though this is disputed.