The hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis) is a funnel-web spider that is commonly found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and parts of Europe. It belongs to the Agelenidae family, a group of spiders known for building funnel-shaped webs in dark, hidden areas.
The name “hobo spider” comes from the idea that these spiders spread by traveling in railway cargo. Many people mistake them for other spiders, like the giant house spider or brown recluse, due to their similar size and brownish color.
What Does a Hobo Spider Look Like?
- Size: Medium-sized, about 10-14 mm in body length.
- Color: Brown with a mottled pattern on the abdomen.
- Legs: Long and thin, without noticeable bands.
- Web: Funnel-shaped, used to trap insects.
Hobo spiders are fast-moving and prefer dry, undisturbed areas like basements, woodpiles, and cracks in walls. They are often misunderstood but play a helpful role in controlling insect populations. While some believe their bites are dangerous, recent studies show their venom is not highly toxic to humans.
Hobo Spider Identification & Appearance
Hobo spiders have a medium-sized body, typically 10-14 mm in length, with long, thin legs that lack noticeable banding. Their color is light to dark brown, and they have a mottled, V-shaped pattern on their abdomen, though it can be hard to see without close inspection. Unlike some spiders, their body has a matte, non-glossy appearance due to fine hairs.
Key Features of a Hobo Spider
- Size: About 10-14 mm in body length (excluding legs).
- Color: Brown with subtle chevron markings on the abdomen.
- Legs: Long and slender, without rings or bands.
- Eyes: Eight small eyes arranged in three rows.
Since hobo spiders resemble giant house spiders and wolf spiders, identifying them correctly can be tricky. Their funnel-shaped web, often found in basements, woodpiles, and cracks, is a key clue in spotting them.
Hobo Spider Bites: Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
Hobo spider bites are often misunderstood, leading to unnecessary fear. Unlike brown recluse bites, which can cause severe skin damage, hobo spider venom is not known to cause necrosis. In most cases, their bites result in mild reactions, and serious complications are rare. However, it’s still important to recognize the symptoms and know how to treat them properly.
Symptoms of a Hobo Spider Bite
A hobo spider bite may feel like a small sting or go unnoticed at first. Within a few hours, you might see redness, slight swelling, or itching at the bite site. Some people report a burning or tingling sensation, but this usually fades quickly. In rare cases, a small blister or ulcer can form, though this is uncommon. If an infection develops due to excessive scratching, symptoms may include increased pain, pus, or prolonged redness.
Effects of a Hobo Spider Bite
Most hobo spider bites heal within a few days to a couple of weeks without medical treatment. The severity of the reaction depends on an individual’s immune response. Unlike brown recluse venom, which breaks down tissue, hobo spider venom mainly causes localized irritation. Some people may experience mild headaches or nausea, but serious systemic effects are extremely rare.
Treatment for a Hobo Spider Bite
If you suspect a hobo spider bite, the first step is to wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines may be used to manage pain and itching. Avoid scratching the bite, as this can introduce bacteria and cause an infection. If the wound worsens or does not improve after a few days, consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Hobo Spider Web & Nest
Hobo spiders create funnel-shaped webs in dark, undisturbed areas, such as basements, garages, woodpiles, and garden corners. Their webs have a narrow retreat tunnel, where the spider hides while waiting for prey. Unlike orb-weaving spiders, hobo spiders do not spin circular webs. Instead, they rely on their speed to capture insects that wander into their funnel. If you see a messy, funnel-like web in a low area, it may belong to a hobo spider.
Hobo Spider Habitat & Location
Hobo spiders prefer dry, hidden spaces where they can build their funnel-shaped webs without disturbance. They are commonly found in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Common Places to Find Hobo Spiders:
- Indoors: Basements, garages, crawl spaces, storage rooms, and cracks in walls.
- Outdoors: Woodpiles, under rocks, grassy fields, garden edges, and near building foundations.
Geographical Range:
- Native to Europe, but now widespread in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
- Common in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Colorado.
- Active mostly in late summer and fall, when they search for mates and new web locations.
If you live in these areas, check low, sheltered spots for their webs and movement.
Hobo Spider vs Other Spiders: Key Differences
Hobo spiders are often confused with other common species, such as brown recluse spiders, wolf spiders, and giant house spiders. However, there are key differences in their appearance, behavior, and venom effects. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison to help identify them correctly.
Comparison of Hobo Spider vs Other Spiders
| Feature | Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) | Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) | Wolf Spider (Lycosidae family) | Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 10-14 mm body length | 6-20 mm body length | 13-35 mm body length | 12-18 mm body length |
| Color | Light to dark brown, faint chevron patterns | Light brown, violin-shaped marking | Brown or gray, bold patterns | Light brown, slightly mottled |
| Legs | Long, thin, no banding | Shorter, uniform in color | Thick, hairy, strong legs | Long, thin, similar to hobo spider |
| Eye Arrangement | 8 small eyes, 3 rows | 6 eyes, arranged in pairs | 8 eyes in 3 rows, large front eyes | 8 small eyes, 3 rows |
| Web Type | Funnel-shaped, ground level | Does not build webs | No web, hunts actively | Funnel-shaped, larger than hobo spider |
| Venom Effects | Mild, non-necrotic, slight irritation | Can cause necrosis, serious wounds | Non-lethal, painful bite | Mild, non-harmful to humans |
| Behavior | Shy, hides in funnel webs | Avoids humans, bites when disturbed | Hunts at night, active | Moves fast, hides in dark places |
| Common Habitat | Basements, woodpiles, cracks | Dark, dry areas (closets, attics) | Grass, gardens, homes | Walls, ceilings, garages |
Key Takeaways
- Hobo spiders and giant house spiders look similar, but giant house spiders are larger and faster.
- Brown recluse spiders have venom that can cause necrosis, while hobo spiders do not.
- Wolf spiders do not build webs and actively hunt prey, unlike hobo spiders.
- Hobo spider bites are rarely dangerous and heal without severe complications.
By using these differences, you can correctly identify a hobo spider and avoid confusion with more harmful species.
Summary:
Hobo spiders (Eratigena agrestis) are medium-sized, brown funnel-web spiders commonly found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and parts of Europe. They are often mistaken for brown recluse, wolf spiders, and giant house spiders, but they have distinct features, including long, thin legs, a matte brown body, and a funnel-shaped web.
