Funnel Weaver Spider

Category:

Actual Size: ⅓ to ⅔”  when fully grown.

Characteristics: Mottled brown or gray with stripes down the body.

Legs: 8

Habitat: True to their name, these spiders build funnel-shaped webs in dark and protected areas. They’re commonly found in gardens, woodpiles, and secluded areas indoors.

Habits:

  • Frequently confused for wolf or brown recluse spiders.
  • Also called “grass spiders”.
  • Builds webs in the shape of the bell of a trumpet. 

Funnel Spiders in Anaheim

Funnel spiders, also known as grass spiders, are recognized for their funnel-shaped webs. They earn the nickname ‘grass spiders’ because they build their webs in tall grass, branches from dense shrubs, or other thick vegetation. These spiders are present throughout Anaheim. While their webs are not sticky, they are designed to make it tough for prey to escape. When prey is caught, the funnel weaver spider can rapidly approach and inject venom. On occasion, these spiders may enter homes while looking for mates or prey.

Funnel Weaver Habitat

Funnel weaver spider webs have a unique shape and are typically built in tall grass or around organic debris. You can spot these webs in grassy areas from summer to early autumn, especially in the morning dew when they are more obvious. Funnel weaver spider webs resemble a megaphone or a trumpet’s bell. These spiders tend to prefer darker locations for their webs, like flower beds or woodpiles. If they get indoors, they often spin their webs in the corners of dimly lit rooms, such as basements.

Funnel Weaver Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

People often mistake funnel weaver spiders for wolf spiders or even brown recluse spiders when they find them indoors. However, while they do possess venom, their small fangs make it challenging for them to bite through human skin. These spiders are considered more of a nuisance, as they molt multiple times before reaching adulthood, leaving behind discarded skins in the house. An infestation can be frightening and quite unsightly. If you are struggling with these spiders in your home, get in touch with your local spider exterminators for help.