Funnel Weaver Spider

Category:

Actual Size: ⅓ to ⅔”  when fully grown.

Characteristics: Brownish or grayish with longitudinal stripes.

Legs: 8

Habitat: Known for building funnel-shaped webs in protected areas such as garden beds, firewood stacks, and sheds.

Habits:

  • Frequently mistaken for wolf spiders.
  • Often referred to as “grass spiders”.
  • Builds webs shaped as a megaphone or bell of a trumpet.


Funnel Weaver Spiders in Memphis TN Metro Area

Funnel spiders, commonly known as grass spiders, are recognized for their distinctive funnel-shaped webs. They have earned the nickname “grass spiders” due to their preference for building webs in tall grass, dense ground cover, and the branches of thick shrubs. These spiders are prevalent throughout Memphis TN Metro Area. The webs they spin are not necessarily adhesive, but they are skillfully designed to ensnare prey, making it challenging for them to escape. Once the prey is caught, the funnel weaver spider swiftly maneuvers over it and injects venom. On occasion, these spiders may venture indoors in pursuit of prey or potential mates.

Funnel Weaver Habitat

Funnel weaver spiders are known for their unique webs, which are typically found in various locations such as tall grass, underneath boards and rocks, and around debris. These distinct webs are commonly observed in grassy areas during the summer to early fall, especially noticeable in the morning dew. Funnel weaver spider webs have a distinctive shape resembling a megaphone or the bell of a trumpet. These spiders have a preference for constructing their webs in darker areas, such as flower beds, woodpiles, and secluded corners within structures. If they happen to be found indoors, their webs are often spotted in dark corners of rooms, like basements.

Funnel Weaver Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Funnel weaver spiders, also known as grass spiders, are frequently mistaken for wolf spiders due to their similar appearance. When these spiders are found in homes, many homeowners often misidentify them as brown recluse spiders. However, it’s important to note that funnel weaver spiders are not poisonous, although they are indeed venomous. Like all spiders, they possess venom, but their fangs are small, making it challenging for them to penetrate human skin. As a result, they are more of a nuisance pest than a direct threat. Additionally, funnel weaver spiders undergo multiple molts before reaching adulthood, leaving behind shed skins around the house.

Any spider infestation can be bothersome to deal with. If you have an infestation, contact your local spider exterminators for help with funnel weaver spiders.