Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2157203
Noble False Widow
Steatoda nobilisAlso known as False Widow, Noble False Widow Spider
Noble false widows weave tangled three-dimensional cobwebs in sheltered crevices, window frames, and garden sheds. Recognizable by the pale, skull-like pattern on their dark brown abdomens, these nocturnal arachnids wait quietly in silk retreats during daylight before emerging at night to hunt. Though their bite delivers a localized sting comparable to a wasp, they are non-aggressive and prefer to drop to the ground or retreat when disturbed.
NocturnalWeb-weaverVenomous
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flies
- Woodlice
- Moths
Predators
- Birds
- Spider-hunting Wasps
- Centipedes
ThreatsPest control, harsh winter freezing
HabitatsBuildings, sheds, gardens, coastal cliffs
Life span1–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyTheridiidae
- GenusSteatoda
- SpeciesSteatoda nobilis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Delivers a painful bite similar to a wasp sting; do not handle directly.
- Why it is dangerous
- Delivers venom that causes localized pain, redness, and swelling comparable to a wasp sting, with minor risk of secondary infection.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognize by the glossy dark brown bulbous abdomen with a creamy skull-shaped or pentagonal pattern.
- What to do
- Relocate using a glass cup and piece of card rather than bare hands, and shake out stored outdoor clothing before wearing.
Responsible observation
- Inspect outdoor gear: Check gardening gloves, work boots, and patio furniture before use.
- Safe relocation: Trap the spider under a clear glass and slide cardboard beneath to carry outside.
- Reduce clutter: Keep outdoor storage areas swept and organized to limit web nesting sites.
Look-alike (c) Luke Padon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Luke Padon · cc-by
Close Relative (c) anonymous, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Mandy Howe, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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