The hobo spider, scientifically known as Eratigena agrestis, is a species that has garnered public interest due to its presence in and around human dwellings. This article will explore the typical living environments of these spiders, detailing their geographical spread and the specific habitats they prefer, both outdoors and indoors.
Geographical Distribution
The hobo spider is native to Europe and Central Asia, where it inhabits fields and avoids human structures due to competition from other spider species. They were first detected in North America in the Pacific Northwest around 1936, introduced accidentally through commercial shipping, likely via the Port of Seattle. Since their introduction, hobo spiders have spread throughout the Pacific Northwest, establishing populations in states such as Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and extending eastward into Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah, as well as into southern British Columbia. They have thrived in these new regions partly because they face fewer natural competitors compared to their native European habitats.
Preferred Habitats
Hobo spiders construct distinctive funnel-shaped webs, which serve as their retreats and traps for prey. Outdoors, these spiders commonly reside in sheltered areas such as rockeries, woodpiles, and gardens. They can also be found under debris, in cracks and crevices in foundations, and near retaining walls, where they build their characteristic funnel webs. These outdoor locations provide the necessary cover and moisture that hobo spiders prefer.
Indoors, hobo spiders seek dark, undisturbed, and often damp environments. Common indoor habitats include basements, crawl spaces, garages, and sheds. They may also establish webs in rarely used rooms, behind furniture, or in storage areas where there is minimal disturbance. Hobo spiders are not adept climbers, so they are typically found at or near ground level, often scurrying across floors rather than scaling walls.
Seasonal Activity and Movement
Hobo spider sightings increase during late summer and fall. This period, from late June through October, marks their mating season. Male hobo spiders become more active during this time as they wander in search of mates. This wandering behavior increases the likelihood of males inadvertently entering homes. They may seek warmth or simply stray indoors, while females remain within their webs and are less mobile than the males.