Steatoda genus of the cobweb spider family has approximately 120 species, as notified by the World Spider Catalog according to the October 2018 records. Most spiders of this genus, like the Steatoda borealis and Steatoda capensis are often mistaken as widow spiders (Latrodectus) due to the similarity in appearance. However, the cobwebs spiders do not cause much harm to humans like the widow species.
Size: Females are 0.23-0.59 inches (0.58-1.49 cm), and males are 0.19-0.43 inches (0.48- 1.09 cm). The size varies from one species to the other, but males are smaller than females.
Color: The color varies from pale brown to black to reddish plum.
Other Characteristic Features: They have an oval-shaped abdomen with white, beige, or orange markings that remain partially visible, merging to form a crescent or a triangle.
Steatoda paykulliana of this genus has an orange or reddish marking on its back, which compels people to take it for the highly venomous redback spider.
The eggs of most species of this genus could be pale yellow, cream, or even whitish. The shapes also vary from round to oval or even spherical.
Most of the spiderlings like those of the Steatoda grossa detach from their mother immediately after dispersal,
They build webs in dark and secured places which are tangled and three-dimensional, comprising sticky silken fibers joined in an irregular fashion.
Some species of this genus, like the Steatoda grossa, and Steatoda nobilis, are known for their venomous bite, whose effect, however, spans between one and sixty hours.
The area around the bite may lead to a blister alongside discomfort, with other mild to moderate symptoms including headache, lethargy, and nausea. Medical professionals often refer to the bites of the steatoda spider as steatodism, described as less severe compared to latrodectism.
| Other Names | Cupboard spider |
| Distribution | Africa, America, and Asia |
| Habitat | Garages, backyards, undisturbed places |
| Diet | Woodlice, cockroaches, ladybugs, crickets, and other spiders including black widow |
| Web Type | Cobwebs |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
Image Credits: spiderid.com
Steatoda genus of the cobweb spider family has approximately 120 species, as notified by the World Spider Catalog according to the October 2018 records. Most spiders of this genus, like the Steatoda borealis and Steatoda capensis are often mistaken as widow spiders (Latrodectus) due to the similarity in appearance. However, the cobwebs spiders do not cause much harm to humans like the widow species.
Size: Females are 0.23-0.59 inches (0.58-1.49 cm), and males are 0.19-0.43 inches (0.48- 1.09 cm). The size varies from one species to the other, but males are smaller than females.
Color: The color varies from pale brown to black to reddish plum.
Other Characteristic Features: They have an oval-shaped abdomen with white, beige, or orange markings that remain partially visible, merging to form a crescent or a triangle.
Steatoda paykulliana of this genus has an orange or reddish marking on its back, which compels people to take it for the highly venomous redback spider.
The eggs of most species of this genus could be pale yellow, cream, or even whitish. The shapes also vary from round to oval or even spherical.
Most of the spiderlings like those of the Steatoda grossa detach from their mother immediately after dispersal,
They build webs in dark and secured places which are tangled and three-dimensional, comprising sticky silken fibers joined in an irregular fashion.
Some species of this genus, like the Steatoda grossa, and Steatoda nobilis, are known for their venomous bite, whose effect, however, spans between one and sixty hours.
The area around the bite may lead to a blister alongside discomfort, with other mild to moderate symptoms including headache, lethargy, and nausea. Medical professionals often refer to the bites of the steatoda spider as steatodism, described as less severe compared to latrodectism.
| Other Names | Cupboard spider |
| Distribution | Africa, America, and Asia |
| Habitat | Garages, backyards, undisturbed places |
| Diet | Woodlice, cockroaches, ladybugs, crickets, and other spiders including black widow |
| Web Type | Cobwebs |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
Image Credits: spiderid.com
