Funnel Weaver Spider (or Grass Spider)
Scientific Name: 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.
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.
Identified on: 9/2/2025