Spider ID if Possble Please!!

Kelly3 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 12:23 PM

This spider is in the conservatory part of the house and appears really different to me! It hasn't a normal web but a load of cobwebs just scattered in the corner it has had the chance to have things that have fallen in its web but hasn't e.g "daddy long legs" and woodlouses.
It is currently carrying a ladybird around it's web! The ladybird has been to 3 different parts of the web in the last 2 days and can also be seen in the photo right beside the spider. The photo is very unclear due to location of the little terror!! It is black in colour with a silver strip where the stomach part of the spider connects to the head! Can't really see much else as it normally hides if i get too close! It also spends most of it's time upside down in the web! Much appriciated for any help or ideas!! Think it's about 1.5 cm in length.

Kelly3 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 01:12 PM

Venger · #3 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 01:47 PM

Looks like a Steatoda sp - it also looks like its feeding.

not the best picture to work from

Steatoda bipunctata photos and info
Steatoda nobilis photos and info
Steatoda grossa photos and info

Kelly3 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 12:16 PM

Venger · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 12:39 PM

While not definite I'm leaning towards Steatoda nobilis
I wouldn't worry to much - just don't go sticking your fingers in its web

(they can bite, but aren't an aggressive spider - they have poor eyesight and would much rather run away as you've seen - push comes to shove they'll bite you.)

Regardless of what the papers say - they aren't deadly (common name for this family is the 'False widows')
It's when people have allergic reaction to bites (same as wasp and bee stings) that problems occur.

More info on their bites

Generally classed as Steatodism
The clinical presentation of Steatoda bites was characterised by moderate to severe regional pain (26%), with a mean duration of six hours, and systemic effects in 30%, notably nausea, headache, malaise, and lethargy.
THE GLOBAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, SYNDROMIC CLASSIFICATION, MANAGEMENT, AND PREVENTION OF SPIDER BITES by JAMES H. DIAZ

However - bites are very rare and are always in self defence (as you can see from the results only a quarter - ish were moderate or severe - it depends how much venom was used)

Kelly3 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 01:10 PM

Thank you! After looking at numourous photos of the Steatoda nobilis I can see resemblance especially the light coloured marking on the beginning of it's back!!
Oh my goodness it's a "false black widow!" I also just read the news paper article you may have been talking about - i know the hype everything up anyhow!
So if we leave it alone we should be ok?
Do you recommend i try to catch it and free it outside?
I'm just thinking of my 2 young children (one only being 12 weeks) and what a bite could do to them being so young!
Thank you so much for helping me! Much appriciated!

Venger · #7 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 02:08 PM

They're fairly static - they hunt via webs rather than prowling around.
They really aren't interested in you at all (or your children

)
Regardless of what the papers say - have you ever met or heard of, in your area, anybody who has been bitten by a spider? - compared to how many have been stung by wasps or bees? not many if at all I'd guess.
They've been here for over 100 years (probably closer to 200) - they're just expanding their range now with the milder weather.
So relax, if you move it outside in all probability another will take it's place - they seem to have a fondness for conservatories.

If you teach your kids to observe and not touch (when they are older obviously) you'll be helping them out. Give them the same respect as you would a wasp or bee - and if you're paranoid, give your clothes a shake before you put them on