Fauna
Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2157203

Noble False Widow

Steatoda nobilis

Also 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
Noble False Widow reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Dustin Edmundson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dustin Edmundson · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. OrderAraneae
  2. FamilyTheridiidae
  3. GenusSteatoda
  4. SpeciesSteatoda nobilis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…