
Community identification
Common House Spider (Likely Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
Parasteatoda tepidariorum
- Order & Family
- Araneae, Family Theridiidae
- Size
- Females typically 5 to 6 mm, males smaller (3.5 to 4.5 mm)
Natural Habitat
Found worldwide, often inside or near human dwellings, garages, and sheds
Diet & Feeding
Insects and other small invertebrates caught in webs
Behavior Patterns
Builds irregular cobwebs; females can live for several years and produce multiple egg sacs
Risks & Benefits
Benefits humans by eating pests (flies, mosquitoes); generally harmless, but may bite if threatened, though not medically significant