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Steatoda borealis

Steatoda borealis is a member of the family of comb-footed spiders. Due to its appearance, it and other members of its genus are often colloquially referred to as ‘false widow spiders’.

Scientific Classification

Steatoda borealis

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: 0.7 cm

Color: Their abdomen is reddish-brown, with a ‘T’ shaped mark on the dorsal side.

Other Characteristic Features: Like several other spider species with swollen abdomens, their front and hind legs are longer than their middle legs.

Eggs

Like other false widow species, they lay their eggs inside a white sac.

Spiderlings

They are red in color, and disperse soon after leaving the egg sac.

The Web

The web of these spiders is made up of cobwebs consisting of irregular tangles of sticky silken fibers.

Is the Steatoda borealis Spider Venomous

A bite causes symptoms similar to a bee sting, ranging from local swelling to redness and some pain. However, they are not very aggressive and avoid larger animals and humans if they come into contact with them.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 1-3 years
Distribution North America, primarily the northern United States and Canada
Habitat Under bark and stones, in rock crevices, and inside some parts of buildings such as attics and basements.
Common Predators Other spiders
Diet Insects like crickets, cockroaches, ladybirds, woodlice, and spiders, including true black widows

Did You Know

  • French American arachnologist Nicholas Marcellus Hentz first described this spider in 1850.

Image Source: a4.pbase.com

Steatoda borealis is a member of the family of comb-footed spiders. Due to its appearance, it and other members of its genus are often colloquially referred to as ‘false widow spiders’.

Steatoda borealis

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: 0.7 cm

Color: Their abdomen is reddish-brown, with a ‘T’ shaped mark on the dorsal side.

Other Characteristic Features: Like several other spider species with swollen abdomens, their front and hind legs are longer than their middle legs.

Eggs

Like other false widow species, they lay their eggs inside a white sac.

Spiderlings

They are red in color, and disperse soon after leaving the egg sac.

The Web

The web of these spiders is made up of cobwebs consisting of irregular tangles of sticky silken fibers.

Is the Steatoda borealis Spider Venomous

A bite causes symptoms similar to a bee sting, ranging from local swelling to redness and some pain. However, they are not very aggressive and avoid larger animals and humans if they come into contact with them.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 1-3 years
Distribution North America, primarily the northern United States and Canada
Habitat Under bark and stones, in rock crevices, and inside some parts of buildings such as attics and basements.
Common Predators Other spiders
Diet Insects like crickets, cockroaches, ladybirds, woodlice, and spiders, including true black widows

Did You Know

  • French American arachnologist Nicholas Marcellus Hentz first described this spider in 1850.

Image Source: a4.pbase.com

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