Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2139661
Utah Funnelweb Spider
Agelenopsis utahanaAlso known as Utah Funnel Weaver, Utah Grass Spider
Utah funnelweb spiders spin delicate, non-sticky sheet webs across forest floors, low vegetation, and stone crevices, ending in a tubular retreat where they await prey. When vibrations signal an insect has landed on the silk platform, these remarkably swift arachnids dart out to subdue their catch within milliseconds. Wandering males search for mates during late summer and autumn, while females remain near their retreats to construct and guard overwintering egg sacs.
Web WeaverFast RunnerTerrestrial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Moths
- Beetles
- Flies
Predators
- Birds
- Lizards
- Spider-wasps
ThreatsPesticide spraying and habitat degradation
HabitatsConiferous and deciduous forests, leaf litter, rocky outcrops, and grassy edges
Life span1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAgelenidae
- SpeciesAgelenopsis utahana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans and safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Web Spotting: Look for flat sheet webs with a distinct funnel tube near log piles, stone walls, or low foliage.
- Night Observation: Use a headlamp after dark to spot these nocturnal hunters active near their funnel entrances.
- Gentle Viewing: Avoid poking or damaging the delicate silk sheets, which take significant energy for the spider to repair.
Close Relative WanderingMogwai / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Family Member (c) Tone Killick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tone Killick · cc-by
Family Member
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