Quick answer
Giant House Spiders (Eratigena atrica) are invertebrates found across Europe. Britain's large but harmless funnel-weaving house spider. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.001 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 1.9 km/h (1 mph), and live about 3 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (flies, moths, and other invertebrates) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Throughout Europe, closely associated with human buildings; common in the UK where it is one of the largest house spiders.
Key takeaway
Giant House Spiders (Eratigena atrica) are invertebrates found across Europe. Britain's large but harmless funnel-weaving house spider. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.001 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 1.9 km/h (1 mph), and live about 3 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (flies, moths, and other invertebrates) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Throughout Europe, closely associated with human buildings; common in the UK where it is one of the largest house spiders.
Giant House Spider overview
Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica) is a invertebrate listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.001 kg; lifespan around about 3 years.
Giant House Spider ecology
Diet: Carnivore (flies, moths, and other invertebrates). Habitat: Houses, sheds, garages, log piles, gardens. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Giant House Spiders and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild giant house spiders are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Giant House Spider profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Giant House Spiders inhabit Throughout Europe, closely associated with human buildings; common in the UK where it is one of the largest house spiders. Their preferred habitat includes houses, sheds, garages, log piles, gardens, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult giant house spiders typically measure about 0.09 m in length and weigh roughly 0.001 kg (0 lb). They can sprint at up to 1.9 km/h (1 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Giant House Spiders are known for britain's large but harmless funnel-weaving house spider — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Giant House Spider FAQs
What are key facts about giant house spiders?
Giant House Spiders (Eratigena atrica) are invertebrates found across Europe. Britain's large but harmless funnel-weaving house spider. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.001 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 1.9 km/h (1 mph), and live about 3 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (flies, moths, and other invertebrates) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Throughout Europe, closely associated with human buildings; common in the UK where it is one of the largest house spiders.
What is the scientific name of the giant house spider?
Eratigena atrica — used in research and conservation listings for giant house spiders.
What do giant house spiders eat?
Giant House Spiders eat flies, moths and and other invertebrates, with seasonal and regional variation in Houses, sheds, garages, log piles, gardens.
Where do giant house spiders live?
They are associated with Houses, sheds, garages, log piles, gardens. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of giant house spiders?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.