Which Spiders Make Funnel Webs?
WouterThere are many different spiders that create webs. But if you are looking for spiders that make a funnel-shaped web, you will want to consider the funnel weaver. This spider is part of the Agelenidae family.
The spider is brown or grey and usually has two longitudinal stripes along the abdomen. The legs are hairy. A female funnel-web spider will lay 100 to 200 eggs in her egg case.
Funnel weavers live in wooded areas. They are nocturnal and active during the evenings. These spiders can be found in many parts of North America.
Funnel weavers build a funnel-shaped web to capture prey. They do not swim. The web is made of a flat sheet of webbing that narrows in the back to form a funnel. The rear exit serves as an escape if the web is disturbed.
Funnel weavers are also known to be aggressive predators. They will often kill their own species if they feel threatened. They are highly venomous. However, the poisonous effects of their venom are relatively mild.
Funnel-web spiders are typically from the family Dipluridae. They are generally active from March to October. Some funnel weavers will live under rotting logs or under organic debris.
Funnel weavers in Colorado are included in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Spider Survey Database. These spiders are also commonly called “funnel web spiders.”
Funnel weavers are a good pest management option. Their ability to catch prey allows them to reduce the population of pests. They are not a direct predator, but they will feed on the prey of other creatures.
