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Spider Photos - Funnel Weaver/Grass Spiders |
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Funnel
weaver spiders (Agelenidae) closely resemble
wolf spiders and the males sometimes resemble hobo spiders. They can usually be distinguished from wolf spiders
because wolf spiders do not build webs. Funnel weavers are also usually
lighter in build than wolf spiders. Many common funnel weaver are also
characterized by having very bristly legs. Most are brown, with gray,
black, and tan markings. Like
all spiders, funnel weavers have 8 legs, 2 body parts (cephalothorax and
abdomen), and no antennae. All spiders in this family have 8 eyes.
They may be recognized by the arrangement of their
eight eyes into three rows. The top row has two eyes, the middle row has
four eyes, and the bottom row has two eyes (spaced wider than the ones
on the top row). They also have two prominent hind spinnerets, and
somewhat indistinct bands on their legs.
Normally spiders spinnerets cannot be easily seen without turning the
spider over but in grass spiders they are quite prominent. The males
also have large pedipalps which are prominent. These spiders are commonly called "Grass
Spiders" because they build funnel-shaped webs, which are not
sticky, close
to the ground. The spider hides in the narrow end of this funnel, which
is usually protected by leaves or rocks. When an insect, spider, or
other small creature crosses the wide end of the funnel, the spider
feels the vibration and rushes out to grab the prey. Funnel weaver and
grass spiders are incredibly quick, and can dash from the protected part
of their web to the other end at lightning speed. Funnel
weaver and grass spiders are beneficial predators. They very rarely
leave their webs, so they don't often enter homes. They will only bite
if provoked, and are not considered dangerous.
Their venom is hemotoxic but is much less than
severe than the Brown Recluse. The most common symptoms are local
swelling, redness and itching.
All photos are copyright to their
owners and may not be reproduced without permission.
Please choose a
section.
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AGELENIDAE - FUNNEL
WEAVERS |
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3 January, 2010:
Hi Glen,
Great website -- thanks. Here's a couple of spiders that I can't identify from my yard.
I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I apologize for the lack of clarity in my pictures, I'm still learning to use the macro setting on my camera. The spider on my back "porch" was very shy -- this was the best I could get. The "porch" is just a wooden platform about 6 inches high, 3 feet wide and about 2 feet deep, as a step down from the house, and sits on concrete. This spider was there all summer, and the web got pretty big, as you can see by the leaf in the foreground and embedded in the web closer to the spider. Those are the eyes glowing. I've attached one photo that shows a longer view, so you can see the scale of size.
The other one was in my garden, and the body is not very big -- maybe about the diameter of a pea, or a little smaller.
And.. I believe I've identified the last spider correctly, as a grass spider, thanks to your website. Let me know if I'm wrong!
Thanks for your help.
--
Sue |
Reply: These are grass spiders/
funnelweavers - glen
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Reply: This is a grass spider - glen
23 December, 2009:
Thanks Glen
It's small, which is why I didn't know if it would fit in the wolf family.
I will keep an eye on it, and I'm sure eventually, it will give me a better view of the front.
I will try to get the eyes. Isn't that what they say? The eyes have it? |
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11 December, 2009:
Hi Glen! I am alternately fascinated and terrified by spiders, so I love your website! I have found several of these little guys hanging out in my apartment lately, and I'm pretty sure they're just grass/funnel weaver spiders because of the spinnerets. Is that right? Sorry if the pictures aren't that great.. neither is my camera! I'm in Denver, Colorado. Thanks so much! - Christina |
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Reply: This is not a hobo spider web it
is a grass spider. You can see the spider in the lower part of the
web - glen
11 October, 2009:
Also..we have these types of webs in our yard- do these look like hobo webs?? Thx! |
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Reply: This is a grass spider - glen
11 October, 2009:
Hi Glen,
Love your site - I've used it to identify (hopefully correctly) the last 3 spiders in our home - thank you!
I'm sending you the last three photos to double check with what I think they are - the first one (found today) IMG242 I have no clue on.
In your opinion - (I live on the second floor of an apt building in Ohio) - should I have pest control come? Three different spiders in 2 months?
We have one toddler at home and I just want to be on the safe side.
Thank you!
Collette |
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Reply: This is also a grass spider but
is only identifiable by the spinnerets at the back of its abdomen - glen
10 October, 2009:
Hi Glen, Your website is so interesting!! I found a
spider yesterday nestled be=ween the siding of our house and the
first post of our balcony (which is elevated about 20ft in the air) From the information I found on your sight I=m presuming that this is a Funnel Weaver or Grass Spider. It is very quick and has the two large spinnerets, both things your site indicated were charasteristics of the Funnel Weaver. It has constructed a thick funnel like web but it isn't in the grass or close to the ground at all. This still has me questioning what type of spider this is. The Hobo Spider
and the Funnel Weaver are so similar looking that I am looking for a
concrete answer from someone who would know. Also, it is situated extremely close to the web of another spider which I have identified as a Spotted Orb Weaver and I didn't know if this was a common occurance.
I live in North Stonington, CT in a very rural and woodsey area. Thank you for any information you can give me.
Best,
Lauren |
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Reply: This is also a grass spider but
is only identifiable by the spinnerets at the back of its abdomen - glen
22 September, 2009:
Hi Glen, I was wondering if you could possibly identify a spider I found in my bathroom. I think it’s a Brown Recluse. Problem is, I’m in New York City, and it definitely should not be wondering around here lol. It was found hiding behind the bathroom door. When I closed the door, it ran over and hid behind the toilet brush holder. Please see the attached pictures. Thanks immensely for the help!
-Chris |
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Reply: This is actually a grass
spider/funnel weaver which looks a lot like a wolf spider except for
the 2 long spinnerets at the back of the abdomen. It is also
probably a male because of the large ends on his pedipalps. The 2
photos below are probably of the female in her web - glen
21 September, 2009:
Then our newest addition. Actually, Cuddles caught her. I
named her Maxine. Huge wolf spider - Liz, Tim, Taylor and Gabrielle |
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12 September, 2009:
Hello Glen!
Thanx so much for the VERY informative website. As many have already mentioned, its a great way to learn about out 8 legged buddies.
I do have a question though :) [Dont we all!]
Ive noticed a few of these "funnel weavers" in my back garden. I live east county San Diego. lately its been VERY hot here.
My little doggie likes to go to this particular 'spider spot' to pee and I just dont want to have to get rid of this little guy/girl if it isnt harmless. I also dont want my dog to be bitten as this thing lives right close to the ground...I attached a few pics. Sorry they arent clearer. The one showing the actual spider was taken at night. The others I am way too afraid to get my hand/camera close to so they are a little blurry!!
Thanx for taking the time to read my email.
Gina
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28 August, 2009:
Hey I thought you might enjoy these. I ran across your website and I think it's pretty awesome. I have some good ones of a catface somewhere. I'll send them when I find them. |
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23 August, 2009:
I am sendin a few pictures of a spider I found in my kid's bedroom a few months ago. I tried putting a description of it on google but didn't find anything. I found your site while looking for info on another spider (sun spider). Can you help? Is it in the wolf spider family?
Amber From Kingman, Arizona, USA |
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29 March, 2009:
Hello, I found this spider on my kitchen wall. I'm from Pennsylvania and never seen a spider this size in my house before. I'm a little worried because it got away before i could catch it.
Click for a larger view. |
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Reply: I'd say it is a grass spider,
would be good to maybe let it go outside which is where they like to
be.
glen
17 January, 2009:
Hi there.
I live in Northern Utah and have a number of spiders come inside to visit. We keep the jumpers since we also seem to have Yellow Sacs and Sowbug eaters. I managed to get a few good shots with the macro setting on a digital point and shoot.
The first is a grass spider, I think. It made a web on the bathroom counter that kept it off the surface and gave it a hole to hide in behind the GF’s
make up case. With legs out, I’d guess it was about 1.5 in (3.5 cm)
across. Also, feel free to use any of these pictures as you see fit.
Bill. |
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