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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > INVERTEBRATES
Tegenaria agrestis
This large arachnid can measure as much as 2 inches (5.08 cm) across and is brown with white or tan chevron patterns on its abdomen. The abdomen is triangular in shape.
The spider has a reputation for being aggressive, even toward people, although this is now widely disputed by scientists. Regardless, the hobo spider can deliver a dangerous bite. Most people don’t realize they’ve been bitten by a hobo spider until a painful red welt appears hours or even days later. Other symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, blurred vision and memory loss. Bites can present a serious risk to the very young, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Immediate medical care should be sought.
Range and Habitat
Although the species originated in Europe, hobo spiders were introduced to the United States in the 1930s and can now be found throughout the Pacific Northwest. It often resides in basements, attics, storage areas and similar places where human activity is sporadic and the environment is cool and dark. They will often construct a funnel-shaped web and will lie in wait at the bottom of the structure for a prey animal to blunder inside. For this reason, they are often referred to as funnel spiders.
Conservation Status
Common.
Tegenaria agrestis
This large arachnid can measure as much as 2 inches (5.08 cm) across and is brown with white or tan chevron patterns on its abdomen. The abdomen is triangular in shape.
The spider has a reputation for being aggressive, even toward people, although this is now widely disputed by scientists. Regardless, the hobo spider can deliver a dangerous bite. Most people don’t realize they’ve been bitten by a hobo spider until a painful red welt appears hours or even days later. Other symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, blurred vision and memory loss. Bites can present a serious risk to the very young, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Immediate medical care should be sought.
Range and Habitat
Although the species originated in Europe, hobo spiders were introduced to the United States in the 1930s and can now be found throughout the Pacific Northwest. It often resides in basements, attics, storage areas and similar places where human activity is sporadic and the environment is cool and dark. They will often construct a funnel-shaped web and will lie in wait at the bottom of the structure for a prey animal to blunder inside. For this reason, they are often referred to as funnel spiders.
Conservation Status
Common.
