Also known as the funnel web spider, the hobo spider is a harmless species that lives both in Europe and on the North American continent. The specificity of the hobo spider is related to the way it weaves its web: the funnel-shaped nest is the perfect structure to wait for prey in. The hobo spider is often found in homes or in their vicinity and though the general reputation of the species is that of high aggressiveness, these creatures are very unlikely to attack a human being. You can only be exposed to a hobo spider bite in case you accidentally crush one; the bite is pretty painful due to the toxicity of the hobo spider venom.

The hobo spider is easy to recognize by the mixture of brown and rust shades; the species also carries another distinguishing mark: a herringbone pattern present on the superior side of the abdomen. Unlike other related species, the hobo spider isn’t hairy; though the legs of these creatures are very strong and large, they are also very smooth. The life extent of the hobo spider is pretty reduced, but though this species lives for a short period of time, their existence is pretty intense. Every year around August and September the hobo spider males are incredibly active, and it is during this time of the year that most bites are reported.

The shape of the web woven by the hobo spider is truly unique, it consists of a very dense silk sheet which is usually curved upwards so that insects that come from above the structure may fall into it. The hobo spider waits in a tubular retreat until the prey is tangled in the threads and only then it comes out and injects the insect with the paralyzing venom. The common prey of the hobo spider includes carpet beetles, earwigs, houseflies and silverfish. The hunting habits are the same regardless of whether we are talking about the hobo spiders that live indoors or out in the fields, gardens and hedges.

The worst consequence of a hobo spider bite is the death of the tissue or necrosis; it is due to such a risk that the general opinion considers the hobo spider highly dangerous. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that necrosis is very rare and almost accidental, since it appears in very special cases when the immune system of the victim is already impaired. Otherwise, the reactions to the hobo spider venom are pretty mild and temporary: pain, itching, redness and even swelling may appear, but these symptoms give in to local treatment.