Bug Identifier
Black House Spider
Community identification

Black House Spider

Badumna insignis

Order & Family
Araneae: Desidae
Size
Body length is approximately 9-18 mm for females; males are smaller at about 9 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found in dark, sheltered corners of buildings, window frames, and under eaves; they also live in tree trunks with rough bark.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; they eat a variety of insects, including flies, beetles, moths, and mosquitoes, which become trapped in their messy webs.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal and construct characteristic messy, funnel-like webs. They rarely leave their web unless forced and are known to be quite shy, retreating into their funnel when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pest populations. While they are venomous and their bite can cause local pain, swelling, and nausea, they are generally not aggressive and bites are rare.