Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2139961
Tegenaria domestica
tegenaria domesticaAlso known as Barn Funnel Weaver, Domestic House Spider, European House Spider, Lesser House Spider
Barn funnel weavers spin horizontal, sheet-like webs anchored in corners, basements, and barns, leading into a deep retreat funnel where they wait for vibrations. They are extraordinarily swift runners, relying on speed to capture trapped insects or escape threats rather than powerful venom. Though often found indoors near human dwellings, these nocturnal arachnids play a vital role in controlling household pests.
NocturnalWeb WeaverHousehold Wildlife
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flies
- Moths
- Mosquitoes
Predators
- Centipedes
- Cellar Spiders
- Birds
ThreatsInsecticide use, habitat cleaning, and competition with giant house spiders
HabitatsHouses, basements, barns, rock crevices, caves, and woodpiles
Life span1 to 7 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyAgelenidae
- GenusTegenaria
- Speciestegenaria domestica
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
- Observe from dark corners: Look for their distinctive flat sheet webs with a deep funnel retreat in quiet, dim areas.
- Gently relocate if needed: Place a clear cup over the spider and slide a card underneath to move it outdoors unharmed.
Competitor (c) Joseph Rojas, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator 
Close Relative WanderingMogwai / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-saClose Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.