Bug Identifier
Small house spider (likely a cobweb spider)
Community identification

Small house spider (likely a cobweb spider)

Parasteatoda tepidariorum

Order & Family
Araneae, Theridiidae (cobweb spiders)
Size
Adults are about 4–8 mm in body length; females are generally larger than males, with legs making the spider appear wider.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Common indoors around walls, ceilings, windows, basements, and other sheltered corners; also found in vegetation and human structures outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on small insects and other arthropods captured in irregular, sticky cobwebs. It injects venom and liquefies prey before feeding.

Behavior Patterns

Builds tangled webs in quiet, elevated spaces and usually remains nearby while waiting for prey. Females produce silk egg sacs and may persist indoors for months.

Risks & Benefits

Nonaggressive and generally harmless to people; bites are rare and typically minor. It helps control flies, mosquitoes, and other household insects.