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
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.
Like other false widow species, they lay their eggs inside a white sac.
They are red in color, and disperse soon after leaving the egg sac.
The web of these spiders is made up of cobwebs consisting of irregular tangles of sticky silken fibers.
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.
| 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 |
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
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.
Like other false widow species, they lay their eggs inside a white sac.
They are red in color, and disperse soon after leaving the egg sac.
The web of these spiders is made up of cobwebs consisting of irregular tangles of sticky silken fibers.
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.
| 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 |
Image Source: a4.pbase.com
