The two sexes do not differ in coloration or markings. Its coloration is mainly dark brown. On its sternum is a lighter marking, with three light spots on each side that form an arrow-like shape pointing toward the head of the … See more

The first description of a spider now assigned to this species was by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1843, under the name Tegenaria atrica. Other supposedly different species were described later, including Tegenaria saeva by See more

E. atrica is found in Europe, Central Asia and Northern Africa. It was unwittingly introduced to the Pacific Northwest of North America circa 1900 due to human activity and has strongly increased in numbers for the last century.
The spider has … See more

The webs built by the giant house spider are flat and messy with a funnel at one end. They do not contain sticky threads. The spider lurks in the funnel until a small invertebrate happens to get trapped in the web, at which point the spider runs out and attacks it. They … See more

A population of giant house spiders is popularly thought to be a deterrent to the establishment of Eratigena agrestis, known in North-America as the "hobo spider", and considered by some to be more likely to bite humans. Giant house spiders may compete with hobo … See more

Humorist David Sedaris has written about his relationship with E. atrica. His essay "April & Paris" documents his growing affection toward and domestic association with giant house spiders, particularly one named April. The essay can be found in the collection See more

• Female constructing egg-sac
• Spiderlings
• E. atrica can attain a leg span of up to 4 inches (100 mm). This specimen from the USA is approximately 3 inches (76 mm) See more