Giant House Spider

Scientific Name: Eratigena duellica

Order & Family: Araneae: Agelenidae

Size: Leg span of up to 4 inches (10 cm); body length 10-18 mm.

Giant House Spider

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

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

Risks & Benefits

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.

Identified on: 5/16/2026