Giant House Spider

Commonly found in residential areas, gardens, garages, and basements in temperate climates.

Carnivorous; feeds on flies, beetles, moths, and other small household insects.

Funnel-web builders; known for being extremely fast runners. They are nocturnal and males are most active in late summer/autumn searching for mates.

Benefits include natural pest control by eating flies and silverfish. They are not medically significant to humans; their venom is mild and they are generally reluctant to bite unless provoked.