Fauna
Arachnid

Barn Funnel Weaver

Tegenaria domestica

Also known as Domestic House Spider, Lesser House Spider

Barn funnel weavers construct flat, sheet-like webs anchored in dim corners, tapering backward into a hollow silk tube where the spider sits concealed. When wandering insects trip the non-sticky tripwires above the sheet, the weaver darts out with astonishing speed to seize and subdue its target. Thriving in cool masonry, outbuildings, and neglected indoor spaces, these shy nocturnal predators quietly control household pests without venturing far from their refuges.

Web WeaverSynanthropicNocturnal
Barn Funnel Weaver reference1 / 7
(c) Tone Killick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tone Killick · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyHouse Flies, Silverfish, Clothes Moths
Predators
  • Cellar Spiders
  • Centipedes
  • Domestic Cats
ThreatsHousehold cleaning, chemical pesticides, and competition from larger house spiders
HabitatsBarns, sheds, cellars, undisturbed corners of houses, rock piles, and caves
Life span1–7 years (females live several years, while males typically survive 1–2 seasons)
Classification
  1. OrderAraneae
  2. FamilyAgelenidae
  3. GenusTegenaria
  4. SpeciesTegenaria domestica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans and safe to observe at close range.
Responsible observation
  • Web Spotting: Look in undisturbed basement corners, crawl spaces, and tool sheds for flat horizontal sheets.
  • Gentle Observation: Use a soft red or dim flashlight at night to spot the spider resting at its funnel entrance.
Related species
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