House Spider vs Hobo Spider
Two BC house-invading spiders that are routinely confused — knowing which is which decides whether you panic or relax.
Giant Huntsman Spider
Heteropoda maxima
Largest spider in the world by leg span — 30 cm. Runs sideways. Doesn't bother you.
Open the file →
Ant-Mimicking Spider
Myrmarachne formicaria
Spider that walks, smells, and waves antennae like an ant. Some species hunt the ants she mimics.
Open the file →The short version
BC homeowners regularly mistake giant house spiders for hobo spiders. Both are funnel-weaver Tegenaria/Eratigena species, both run fast, both pop into bathtubs and basements in fall when males are searching for mates. The difference matters because hobo spider has a (largely overstated) medical reputation while giant house spider is harmless. The good news for BC: most 'hobo spider' sightings are actually giant house spiders.
How to tell them apart
- 1
Size: giant house spider is BC's largest house spider, body 14-16 mm; hobo spider is smaller, body 9-14 mm.
- 2
Body markings: giant house spider has distinct chevron stripes on the abdomen; hobo spider has more diffuse mottled markings.
- 3
Web: both build funnel webs; giant house spider's funnel is denser + more conspicuous; hobo spider's is sparser.
- 4
Behavior on a wall: giant house spider runs in bursts then freezes; hobo spider runs continuously.
- 5
Medical importance: hobo spider's necrotic bite reputation has been largely debunked by modern arachnology; both species are harmless to humans in real-world encounters.
- 6
BC context: see /pests/house-spider for the local treatment protocol. Most autumn 'big spider in the bathtub' sightings in BC are giant house spiders, not hobos.