Bug Identifier
Spider (Common House Spider)
Community identification

Spider (Common House Spider)

Parasteatoda tepidariorum

Order & Family
Order: Araneae, Family: Theridiidae
Size
3 to 8 mm (body length), with females being larger than males.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found inside structures, especially in corners, under furniture, and near windows/light sources where prey is common.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; primarily feeds on small insects such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other small spiders.

Behavior Patterns

Builds irregular, tangled 'cobwebs.' They are generally reclusive, active at night, and often hang upside down in the center of their webs waiting for prey.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits of reducing household pests. They pose no significant risk to humans as they are non-aggressive and their venom is medically insignificant to people.