Funnel Weavers (often called Grass Spiders) are among the most common spiders in Utah. On a dewy morning, you can see their flat, "carpet-like" webs covering lawns and bushes across the state.
These spiders are strictly "ambush" hunters and are famous for their incredible speed.
The Sheet WebThey build a flat, non-sticky sheet of silk with a funnel-shaped hole at one end. The spider hides in the "tunnel" and waits for a vibration.
The DashWhen an insect lands on the silk sheet, the spider dashes out, grabs the prey, and drags it back into the funnel in less than a second.
The "Hobo Look-alike"Because they are so common in Utah window wells and basements, they are the #1 source of "False Hobo" reports.
Are they the same as Hobo spiders?No. While they are in the same family, Grass Spiders are generally harmless. The "tails" on their rear are the easiest way to tell them apart from a Hobo.
Why is my lawn covered in 'spider carpets'?This happens in late summer. The webs are always there, but they become visible when morning dew or frost clings to the silk.
Do they bite?Bites are rare. They are incredibly shy and will retreat into their funnel at the slightest vibration of a human footstep.
