The American House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is a common spider found throughout the United States. It typically has a brown or gray body with a distinctive pattern on its abdomen. These spiders are known for their ability to spin webs, which they use to catch insects for food. American House Spiders are usually small, measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. They prefer to live in human dwellings, often found in corners, basements, and attics. While they may look intimidating, they are generally harmless to humans and play a beneficial role in controlling pest populations.