What is tegenaria gigantea?

Tegenaria gigantea, commonly known as the giant house spider, is a species of spider in the family Agelenidae. It is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America and is now found throughout much of the continent.

The giant house spider is typically brown or yellow-brown in color and has a distinct pattern on its abdomen. It is among the largest spiders found in Europe, with a body length of up to 18 mm and a leg span of up to 75 mm.

Giant house spiders are commonly found in buildings and homes, where they build large, tangled webs in dark, secluded areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. They are primarily active at night and feed on insects and other small arthropods.

Despite their intimidating appearance, giant house spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. Their venom is relatively weak and typically only causes mild local reactions, such as swelling and redness. However, they may bite if threatened or provoked.

Overall, the giant house spider is an important predator in the ecosystem, helping to control populations of insects and other arthropods.