Bug Identifier
Funnel Weaver Spider (or Grass Spider)
Community identification

Funnel Weaver Spider (or Grass Spider)

Agelenopsis spp. (a genus within the family Agelenidae)

Order & Family
Order: Araneae, Family: Agelenidae
Size
Body length typically ranges from 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.8 inches) for females, and 9 to 15 mm (0.35 to 0.6 inches) for males, excluding leg span. Their leg span can make them appear much larger.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found outdoors in grassy areas, gardens, shrubs, and around homes, building their webs in corners, between objects, or in thick vegetation. They can also be found indoors, especially in basements or cluttered areas.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feed on various insects and other small invertebrates that get entangled in their webs.

Behavior Patterns

Funnel weavers are known for building distinctive funnel-shaped webs which serve as their home and trap for prey. They are fast runners and will quickly emerge from the funnel to capture any insect that lands on their web. They are generally shy and will retreat if disturbed, preferring to hide in their funnel.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered harmless to humans. While they possess venom, their bite is rare and typically not medically significant, usually resulting in mild local pain and swelling, similar to a bee sting. They are beneficial as natural pest control, helping to reduce populations of various nuisance insects.