Identify this spider please

[wildherbalian85]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Well, whether you are referring to bipunctata, the Rabbit-hutch Spider, or nobilis/grossa - remember they are each capable of nipping in self-defence (RE scare tactics)!

Common names are often confusing, and given all three aforementioned spiders can bite I don't personally see the issue with them generally being called False Widows. Afterall, if the one common name covers two species - then why not three? It may not sound very scientific, but then common names aren't meant to be! If you want accuracy, use the Latin instead in my opinion.

Do you have any form of official evidence/ documentation that can back up the claims of the rabbit hutch spider biting?? As the only ever mentioning of this spider being capable of biting has yet again only been on WAB.

What about the other 3 native "False Widows"....

Steatoda albomaculata

Steatoda phalerata

Steatoda triangulosa

[No.9 Spider]

Over the years (too many) I've generally only been aware of one Steatoda species being referred to as a False Widow - Steatoda paykulliana. This is however prior to joining WAB.

I can see why S. paykulliana has the False Widow image due to it's characteristics and also to a degree Steatoda grossa , Steatoda nobilis and Steatoda albomaculata.
As I think someone has said, the media coverage surrounding Steatoda Nobilis and [b]Steatoda grossa at various times has picked up and popularised them as 'Widow' related, purely for journalistic purposes.
I personally can't relate Steatoda bipunctata to the 'False Widow' clan as it's characteristics are wrong, as are our other native Steatoda species.




No.9 Spider

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by wildherbalian85

Do you have any form of official evidence/ documentation that can back up the claims of the rabbit hutch spider biting??

I've just looked it up - but can't. Thanks for letting me know.