Funnel Webs

Funnel spider, Frick Park, 30 July 2026 (photo by Kate St.John) 13 August 2026 Late July through September is the best time of year to see funnel webs in Pittsburgh. The spiders that build these webs have been present since spring but they were so small I overlooked their webs. Late summer webs show nicely, especially in dew. Here’s a selection from 2016 to 2026. Schenley Park, 3 Aug 2016 Schenley Park, 26 Sep 2020 Frick Park, 28 Jul 2024 Shadyside, 29 Aug 2024 Greenfield, 8 Aug 2018 Frick Park, 30 July 2026 Acadia National Park, 8 Sep 2016 Acadia National Park, 8 Sep 2016 Since they are non-venomous, funnel web spiders rely on stealth, speed and strength to capture their prey. Their non-sticky carpet webs have a hiding place in the middle — a funnel — where the spider lurks and waits for prey to jiggle the web. When they feel the right vibration they zoom out of the hole to grab a meal. Funnel weavers are FAST and they have a backdoor escape route if something large and scary is…