Fantastic False Widow Spider!

[Aazell]

Hi All

Thought I'd share my discovery with people here.

On the porch light outside my front door I have a False Widow Spider!
It took me quite by surprise when I first saw him as I really thought I had a black widow lurking around my front door but with a little research I've definately nailed him as a native false widow. I didn't even know they existed!

Having him making a web around the light gives me an excellent view to get a really good close look at him. A matt black body with creamy white spots on the abdomen. He's really active at night too so he's great to watch while having a ciggie...



Apparently these spiders are thriving due to warmer winters recently. Has anyone else found any?

Nasty rumors circling that they are quite poisonous but the Natural history museum say they're not dangerous at all.

I'm in Buckinghamshire.

Jim

[Gatekeeper]

Hi Jim, welcome to WAB. Try to take a pic of the spider for us to see.

[John_M]

False widows (Steatoda sp.) are quite common in my neck of the woods, and have spread quite far North. I have several Steatoda nobilis living in the house, and quite a few in the garden.
As the NHM says, they aren't dangerous, and they aren't aggressive, so nothing to worry about. If you have a look around at night with a torch, I'm sure you'll see more of them.
If you can post a photo, there's a very good chance we can ID it down to species level.