Nearly all Agelenidae are harmless to humans, but the bite of the hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis) may be medically significant, and some evidence suggests it might cause necrotic lesions,[1] but the matter remains subject to debate.

[5][6] Agelenids build a flat sheet of nonsticky web with a funnel-shaped retreat to one side or occasionally in the middle, depending on the situation and species.

Like any fast-running spider, the Agelenidae possess good vision, and are generally photosensitive (i.e. react to changes in the light), so they can successfully retreat upon perceiving a larger threat's shadow approaching.

In September, males of outdoors species (such as Agelenopsis and Agelena) can seek refuge within houses, usually nesting on or underneath outer windowsills, or also around the porch door.

The type genus, Agelena, includes some parasocial spiders that live in complex communal webs in Africa.

[8] Only one species of agelenid has become prominent as a putative cause of a significant frequency of necrotic arachnidism; this is the hobo spider, Eratigena agrestis.

[4] This perception arose when the species was accidentally introduced to the United States in the mid-20th century and propagated rapidly in several regions.

[10] As of January 2023[update], the World Spider Catalog accepts these genera:[11] A number of fossil species are known from Eocene aged Baltic amber, but their exact relationship with extant members of the clade is unclear.