Spider identification question

hazzeryoda · #1 (**permalink**) 20-02-2011, 11:54 PM

Any ideas what this is, anyone?
It appeared hairless and was in my garage.
Measures approximately 15mm - 20mm across (including legspan...)

Cheers,

H

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 04:30 AM

It's a Steatoda sp.

Pepsis · #3 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 10:10 AM

Steatoda grossa.

faz · #4 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 12:52 PM

hi and welcome to WAB

its one of the false widows harmless to us so no need to worry wher abouts in the uk are you it could be steatoda grossa a real spider expert like no9 will be able to id better for you

hazzeryoda · #5 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 03:48 PM

great, thanks for the info.
I thought that Steatoda nobilis was still capable of biting humans and was venomous?

RobAtkinson1 · #6 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 03:53 PM

It would only bite if it felt threatened.

Geoff F · #7 (**permalink**) 21-02-2011, 07:16 PM

Yes most people who get bitten accidentally put their hands onto a hidden spider, or something similar. Don't worry about them leaping out from behind a bush and deliberately attacking you.

And don't pick one up to give it a cuddle in case it misunderstands your intentions!

But considering how their numbers have increased in recent years there are very few accounts of anyone being bitten.