Community identification
Common House Spider
Parasteatoda tepidariorum
- Order & Family
- Araneae: Theridiidae
- Size
- 3 to 6 mm for body length, with a large spherical abdomen that can expand significantly.
Natural Habitat
Found globally in or near man-made structures, particularly in dark corners, under eaves, and in sheds or basements.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly small insects and other invertebrates, which they trap in tangled, three-dimensional webs.
Behavior Patterns
They are cobweb spiders that build messy, irregular webs. They are typically shy and will retreat or drop from their web if disturbed.
Risks & Benefits
They are considered harmless to humans and are not aggressive. They provide significant ecological benefits by consuming indoor pests like flies and mosquitoes.