Checklist of funnel weaver spiders (Agelenidae) known from Colorado, with county records. Additional species that are particularly common in eastern Colorado include Agelenopsis pennsylvanica and A. Other funnel weavers common along the Front Range and West Slope are Agelenopsis oklahoma and Hololena hola. Tegenaria domestica (aka “barn funnel weaver”) is probably the most widely distributed species within Colorado, although it is native to Europe. For example, in a 2001-2002 survey of spiders caught indoors on sticky panels in Boulder, eastern Weld, and Larimer counties, over 37% were funnel weaver spiders, with Tegenaria domestica the single most common species collected. These are usually the most common spiders found in homes in Colorado. Female of the common house-infesting funnel weaver Tegenaria domestica.ĭistribution in Colorado: Nineteen species of funnel weaver spiders are known from Colorado (Table 1) and representatives can be found throughout the state. The four pairs of eyes are arranged in two, slightly curved rows, which is a more orderly arrangement than found on other funnel weaver spiders.įigure 4. Dark bands may also run along the cephalothorax, which is reddish brown with yellowish hairs in the species Tegenaria domestica (Figure 4). Tegenaria species tend to have blunter abdomens marked with gray or black patches. Spiders within both genera usually have dark longitudinal bands that run along the back of the cephalothorax and an elongated abdomen. Hololena species often have similar appearance but lack the elongated spinnerets and male pedipalps have a normal clubbed appearance. Males of this genus have a unique and peculiarly coiled structure (embolus) on their pedipalps (Figure 3), the appendages next to the mouthparts. These structures are the spider’s spinnerets, from which the silk emerges. Like wolf spiders, the funnel weavers are very fast runners.Īmong the three most common genera ( Agelenopsis, Hololena, Tegenaria) found in homes and around yards, Agelenopsis (Figures 1, 2 and 3) is perhaps most easily distinguished as it has long tail-like structures extending from the rear end of the body. They are often mistaken for wolf spiders (Lycosidae family) but the size and pattern of eyes can most easily distinguish them. The legs and body are hairy and legs usually have some dark banding. They have four pairs of eyes that are roughly the same size. Identification and Descriptive Features: Funnel weaver spiders are generally brownish or grayish spiders with a body typically ranging from1/3 to 2/3-inch when full grown. Class: Arachnida (Arachnids)įamily: Agelenidae (Funnel weaver spiders)
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