
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.
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.