Bug Identifier
Common House Spider
Community identification

Common House Spider

Parasteatoda tepidariorum

Order & Family
Araneae: Theridiidae
Size
3 to 8 mm (females are larger than males)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in and around human structures, typically in corners, under furniture, or in garages and sheds.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds primarily on small insects and other spiders caught in its tangled web.

Behavior Patterns

They are known for building messy, tangled, three-dimensional webs. They are generally sedentary and wait for prey to become entangled before wrapping it in silk.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling indoor pests like flies and mosquitoes. They are not considered medically significant to humans, although a bite can cause minor swelling and redness.