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This was filmed on my mobile phone, I apologise for the pixelations! The Giant house spider (Tegenaria duellica; formerly known as T. gigantea) is a member of the genus Tegenaria and is a close rel (..more)

This was filmed on my mobile phone, I apologise for the pixelations! The Giant house spider (Tegenaria duellica; formerly known as T. gigantea) is a member of the genus Tegenaria and is a close relative of both the Domestic house spider and the infamous Hobo spider. The bite of this species does not pose a threat to humans or pets. An established population of Giant house spiders is generally considered to be a deterrent to the establishment of a Hobo spider population. Giant house spiders compete with Hobo spiders for the same resources. Male Giant house spiders will often kill Hobo spiders and won't hesitate to make a meal of one. Up until 1987, the Giant house spider held the record as the fastest spider in the world. The record has since been awarded to a species of African Sun Spiders (Solifugae), which aren't actually spiders at all. The Giant house spider is indigenous to north western Europe and the pacific northwest of North America. The webs built by the Giant house spider are flat and messy with a funnel at one end. The spider lurks in the funnel until a small invertebrate happens to get trapped in the web, at which point the spider runs out and attacks it. T (..less)