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Steatoda paykulliana

Meet the Steatoda paykulliana spider! It belongs to the comb-footed spiders family. Fun fact: it was named after a famous explorer from Sweden, Gustaf von Paykull. Stick around, and we’ll share more about this interesting spider with you!

Scientific Classification

Steatoda Paykulliana

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Male: 0.45-0.84 cm Female: 0.8-1.3 cm

Steatoda Paykulliana Size

  • Color: These spiders are black and covered with two orange-red stripes – one on the dorsal region and the other laterally.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They resemble black widow spiders but do not belong to the same genus.

Eggs

These spiders spin a cocoon around the eggs to protect them.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings hatch at the end of summer. When winter comes, they hibernate.

Female spiderlings have ivory-yellow stripes, which become darker as they become adults.

The Web

They spin tangled three-dimensional webs, usually on the sloping ground covered with vegetation.

Are Steatoda paykulliana Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Steatoda paykulliana Spiders are venomous. They use their venom mainly to catch and eat their prey. Their venom is less dangerous than true black widows.

Can Steatoda paykulliana Spiders Bite?

Yes, Steatoda paykulliana Spiders can bite. They might bite if they feel trapped or threatened, but they usually keep to themselves and focus on their web and catching food.

Steatoda Paykulliana Image

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Steatoda paykulliana

This species plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations. They are adept hunters, using their venom to subdue prey such as crickets, cockroaches, and even other spiders, contributing to the balance of their natural habitats.

Natural Predators: The Steatoda paykulliana’s predators include other spider species, which help to regulate their populations and maintain ecological balance within their communities.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The dynamic between Steatoda paykulliana and their prey is an important aspect of their contribution to the ecosystem. They keep insect populations in check, while also serving as prey to larger predators.

Relationship with Humans: While Steatoda paykulliana is venomous, its bites are not commonly dangerous to humans and are usually less severe than those of true black widows. They tend to avoid human interaction and will only bite if feeling threatened or trapped.

Quick Facts

Lifespan1-3 years
DistributionThroughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This includes Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Corsica, Croatia, Cyprus, Dagestan, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, Great Britain, Greece, Herzegovina, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Northwest China, North Macedonia, Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovenia, Southern Kyrgyzstan, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan,  Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
HabitatDry or semi-dry habitats, like calcareous hills and quarries, dunes, heathlands, and rock crevices
Common PredatorsOther spiders
DietInsects like crickets, cockroaches, ladybirds, woodlice, and spiders, including true black widows

Steatoda Paykulliana Habitat

Did You Know

  • French scientist Baron Charles Athanase Walckenaer first described this species in 1805.

In summary, Steatoda paykulliana spiders, with their extensive distribution and dietary habits, serve as important biological control agents across diverse habitats.

Meet the Steatoda paykulliana spider! It belongs to the comb-footed spiders family. Fun fact: it was named after a famous explorer from Sweden, Gustaf von Paykull. Stick around, and we’ll share more about this interesting spider with you!

Steatoda Paykulliana

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Male: 0.45-0.84 cm Female: 0.8-1.3 cm

Steatoda Paykulliana Size

  • Color: These spiders are black and covered with two orange-red stripes – one on the dorsal region and the other laterally.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They resemble black widow spiders but do not belong to the same genus.

Eggs

These spiders spin a cocoon around the eggs to protect them.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings hatch at the end of summer. When winter comes, they hibernate.

Female spiderlings have ivory-yellow stripes, which become darker as they become adults.

The Web

They spin tangled three-dimensional webs, usually on the sloping ground covered with vegetation.

Are Steatoda paykulliana Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Steatoda paykulliana Spiders are venomous. They use their venom mainly to catch and eat their prey. Their venom is less dangerous than true black widows.

Can Steatoda paykulliana Spiders Bite?

Yes, Steatoda paykulliana Spiders can bite. They might bite if they feel trapped or threatened, but they usually keep to themselves and focus on their web and catching food.

Steatoda Paykulliana Image

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Steatoda paykulliana

This species plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations. They are adept hunters, using their venom to subdue prey such as crickets, cockroaches, and even other spiders, contributing to the balance of their natural habitats.

Natural Predators: The Steatoda paykulliana’s predators include other spider species, which help to regulate their populations and maintain ecological balance within their communities.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The dynamic between Steatoda paykulliana and their prey is an important aspect of their contribution to the ecosystem. They keep insect populations in check, while also serving as prey to larger predators.

Relationship with Humans: While Steatoda paykulliana is venomous, its bites are not commonly dangerous to humans and are usually less severe than those of true black widows. They tend to avoid human interaction and will only bite if feeling threatened or trapped.

Quick Facts

Lifespan1-3 years
DistributionThroughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This includes Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Corsica, Croatia, Cyprus, Dagestan, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, Great Britain, Greece, Herzegovina, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Northwest China, North Macedonia, Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovenia, Southern Kyrgyzstan, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan,  Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
HabitatDry or semi-dry habitats, like calcareous hills and quarries, dunes, heathlands, and rock crevices
Common PredatorsOther spiders
DietInsects like crickets, cockroaches, ladybirds, woodlice, and spiders, including true black widows

Steatoda Paykulliana Habitat

Did You Know

  • French scientist Baron Charles Athanase Walckenaer first described this species in 1805.

In summary, Steatoda paykulliana spiders, with their extensive distribution and dietary habits, serve as important biological control agents across diverse habitats.