Large population of False Widows

[paulh]

Hi Folks
New to your forum and new to an interest in spiders, which is growing by the day.
Since recently moving to Torbay I discovered an interesting smallish spider living in our cellar, and after some research am pretty sure it is Steatoda paykulliana, mainly due a very bright yellow band. Since discovering that this is one of the “False Widow” spiders have looked further and found (over the last few weeks) about 20 slightly different, which I believe are Steatoda nobilis. And I haven’t had to look hard. Basically, they are everywhere.
Is it unusual to have them in such numbers? I am pretty sure my identification is accurate as I have looked at them as carefully as possible, and the band around the front plus the mosaic pattern on the back are very distinctive.
Paul

[demicav]

As far as I know these Spiders are increasing in the UK. I'm a fan of Spiders myself and think it's great although there has been alot of hype surrounding these species due to the bite they can give. Not sure if it's unusual or not for them to be in such large numbers, must be thriving in the correct environment. I'm sure Venger will be along with some more accurate info about them. Welcome to WAB by the way.

[Venger]

Steatoda paykulliana is not a native species to the UK, though we've had a couple reported on WAB, imported on grapes if I remember.

Spider in grapes help
Shiny black spider
If it is a Steatoda paykulliana then you should collect it, if it has been released into our habitat and is surviving, then someone was irresponsible, (Steatoda nobilis is originally a foreign spider, but is generally held in check by our temperature.)

As for the Steatoda nobilis you're in it's recorded area:
Stetoda noblis distribution - if you are providing the right environments for them, then they will do well. They aren't a communal spider, but can occupy similar areas together without being aggressive. They are noted for biting, but only if handled incorrectly (or if you stick your finger into webs and wiggle them, ahem, mentioning no names )
Any chance of some photos?

Oh and welcome to WAB, always good to have more spider lovers

[paulh]

Thanks for your replies. The species I identified as Steatoda paykulliana may well be wrong because I just looked up some info on the web. It was the same as S. nobilis except a very bright yellow band around the front and no "mosaic" marking on the top (sorry, I probably have the wrong terminology). My wife objected to it as its web (a loose bunch of threads) was above the washing machine and, when approached, far from running away, it would rush out. So I collected it and rehoused it through a vent to the electricity substation next door - probably the wrong thing to do - but it was that or laundry. If I see another, I will get good photos. I did get a pic, but very fuzzy due to less than ideal conditions. It objected to strong light and the macro did not work too well with flash. No trouble finding S. Nobilis though. I will get a pic of one just to confirm identity. But how can I post pics? P

[clicka15]

Hello Paul and a very warm welcome to WAB!

Regarding your question about how to upload pics: I think you need to post 25 messages before you can do this? Not sure - it's a while since I was in that position.

Steatoda nobilis should be fairly numerous in your part of the country. They were imported via Torquay in a ship-load of Bananas in 1870 (or something like that) from the Canary Islands. The south west, being the warmest and southern-most part of the country probably has the best climate for them and their food sources as well.

They are widespread across the south of the UK now and (as Venger previously said if I remember correctly) they are expected to inhabit every garden in the south within a few years. They are certainly present in numbers in my and my neighbours gardens (much to theirs and my wife's horror!).

I find them fascinating little fellows, but the female living in the Dragon Plant in my kitchen was a little too close for comfort, so she's now made a home in the back garden amongst the several males already there.

Hope you enjoy WAB!

[Venger]

I thought it was 25 post before you could upload an avatar? not pictures? Like clicka I can't remember!
Anyway, go here to see all about uploading pictures:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/forum_images

Or to upload pictures (if that video isn't updated)
1: click on Gallery
2: Click on The Image Archive
3: click upload
4: place your image in either the 'unidentified' or 'forum images' Gallery
5: Once uploaded, select your picture
6: Then copy (CTRL+C) all the 'linked thumbnail code' (the [url=....bit)
7: Paste the 'linked thumbnail code' (CTRL+V) into your forum post
8: Make a cup of tea cos' your done