This species of spider is found in houses all over the world.

Life span
Several years.

Physical description
Female house spiders are 9-10mm in size, and males are 6-9mm (not including leg span). They are brown and hairy with long legs. The leg span of this spider can reach up to 60mm. Males have a slimmer abdomen and longer legs.

Distribution
They are common throughout Britain but are more abundant in the south.

Habitat
House spiders are often seen in and around houses and gardens. They are most common in log piles and garden sheds.

Diet
They feed on crawling insects such as beetles, earwigs and cockroaches. House spiders have even been observed feeding on earthworms. House spiders can survive for months without any food or water.

Behaviour
The spider stands on top of a sheet-shaped web, waiting for insects. Sometimes it will build a tube-shaped retreat where it can hunt in safety.

Reproduction
After a male has located a female's web he will stay with her for some weeks. During this time he will mate with her a few times before eventually dying. The female does not kill the male, but after he dies she eats him. In this way, the male can contribute to the health of his offspring even after his death.

Males of the species are often found trapped in baths in houses. They fall in after wandering around searching for a female, and can't get out.

Conservation status
This spider is not protected by law in the UK.