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 		UK Nature  > Spiders  > Eratigena atrica




Scientific Name:   Eratigena atrica
Common Name:   Giant House Spider

Eratigena atrica, the Giant House Spider, has a body length of 10-18mm, with very long legs, especially in the male. The body is yellowish to reddish brown, heavily mottled with black and with a number of pale chevrons towards the rear.

Most often seen scurrying across room floors at night, especially in the autumn, when the males are seeking mates. Spins triangular cobwebs in neglected areas of rooms, hiding in a tubular retreat in the corner, waiting for any unsuspecting flies or other insects to become entangled in the dense sheets of web they have constructed.

Adult all year, the females living for several years and can survive months without food. In and around houses and other buildings, especially sheds and other out-buildings, but can be found out in open countryside, especially in the south. Very common throughout the UK.