Agelenidae (funnel weavers)

The Hobo Spider

Eratigena agrestis

Caution

Photo: Adrian Tync · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Family

Agelenidae (funnel weavers)

Size

Body 8–18 mm

Region

Pacific Northwest US, Europe

Habitat

Ground-level funnel webs in cracks, window wells and foundations.

Overview

A fast funnel-web builder often confused with more dangerous species. Bites are uncommon and usually mild.

Standout fact

Despite an old reputation, current research finds little evidence the hobo spider causes serious wounds.

Parasteatoda tepidariorum

The spider you most often meet indoors. It builds tangled cobwebs in quiet corners and is completely harmless to people.

Latrodectus mactans

Glossy black with the unmistakable red hourglass. Its neurotoxic venom makes it the most medically significant spider in North America.

Loxosceles reclusa

A shy, reclusive hunter recognised by the dark violin shape on its back. Its cytotoxic venom can cause slow-healing wounds.

Phidippus audax

Charismatic, curious and fuzzy, with huge forward-facing eyes. It hunts by pouncing rather than building webs.