# How Long Do Giant House Spiders Live?

> Giant House Spider lifespan is typically about 3 years. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Giant House Spider (*Eratigena atrica*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Carnivore (flies, moths, and other invertebrates)
- **Habitat:** Houses, sheds, garages, log piles, gardens
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/giant-house-spider/how-long-do-giant-house-spider-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/giant-house-spider/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The giant house spider (Eratigena atrica) is one of Britain's largest spiders, a fast-moving but harmless funnel-weaver often seen indoors in autumn. Females reach a body length of up to about 7.5 cm across the legs, with a leg span reaching around 12 cm, and adults live for around three years. It builds sheet-like webs in sheds, garages and quiet corners and preys on flies and other invertebrates. It is common and of Least Concern.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Appearance and size

The giant house spider is a large, brown, long-legged spider with a leg span that can reach around 12 cm, making it one of the biggest spiders regularly encountered in Britain and northern Europe. Its body is mottled brown with darker markings, and the legs are covered in fine hairs. Females are bulkier than males, with body lengths of up to about 7.5 cm across the legs, while males have longer, spindlier legs relative to their bodies. Their size and speed make them look alarming, but the impression is misleading.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/giant-house-spider/how-long-do-giant-house-spider-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.