Funnel Weaver Spider Web
Scientific Name: Agelenidae
Category: insect
Brief Description
A sheet-like web with a tubular retreat characteristic of funnel weaver spiders (family Agelenidae), built against weathered timber.
Characteristics
A dense, non-sticky horizontal sheet of silk that ends in a tubular funnel where the spider hides, waiting for prey to walk across the web.
Habitat
Found in dark, protected places such as crevices in wood, under rocks, in tall grass, or along the sides of buildings and logs.
When to Find It
Active primarily from spring through autumn, with webs most prominent in late summer and fall.
Conservation Status
N/A
Ecological Role
Acts as an effective predator of insects, helping to control populations of flies, beetles, and other small invertebrates.
Easily Confused With
Orb-weaver webs, which are vertical and circular rather than horizontal sheets with funnels.
Observation Tips
Look closely at cracks and crevices in old wood or thick grass in the morning when dew highlights the sheet webbing.
Interesting Facts
Funnel weavers are extremely fast runners, and their webs do not use sticky glue threads; instead, the web tangles the insect's legs, allowing the spider to rush out rapidly from its funnel.