Agelenidae: Funnel Weavers

Agelenidae: Funnel Weavers

Tegenaria domestica

Agelenidae are the funnel weavers. This is a very common family. These spiders build horizontal webs with a funnel in the corner. The spider waits at the entrance of the funnel. When prey falls into the web, the spider rushes out, grabs the prey, and retreats into the funnel. These spiders are also quick to retreat into the funnel when disturbed.

Agelenopsis sp. are the grass spiders. These spiders are very common on vegetation and buildings. Their webs sparkle with dew in the mornings. Females are 10 to 17 mm, males are 9 to 15 mm, and legspans are 25 to 35 mm. Agelenopsis overwinter as eggs.


Agelenopsis from Chicago area, IL		From Minnesota


Adult male from Minneapolis, MN		Adult female from Minneapolis, MN

Tegenaria domestica is sometimes called the "barn funnel weaver" or "domestica house spider." These spiders can live for several years and are common in damp basements, where they make webs in corners. Females are 7 to 12 mm, males are 6 to 9 mm, and legspans are 20 to 30 mm. Eggs occur in summer.


Tegenaria domestica adult male from Twin Cities area, Minnesota				Basement of record store in Iowa

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