False Widow Spider?

[tigger]

We have had false widow spiders in the garden before (we are just outside Poole, Dorset), but I found this spider today sitting on a drain cover in the sunshine. It didn't have the same colouring on the bulbous body as the previous one and was a lot bigger.

Any idea if this is a False Widow?



Here's the one we had in the garden before (covered in mites):



Many thanks. Jane

[faz]

Steatoda bipunctata is one of the spiders commonly known as a false widow spider. It's also sometimes referred to as the Rabbit Hutch Spiders as they're often found inside rabbit hutches. They're usually chestnut coloured, although some specimens can be lighter in colour. Frequently there is a line of tiny cream coloured dots running around the midline of the abdomen.

[faz]

Originally Posted by faz

Steatoda bipunctata is one of the spiders commonly known as a false widow spider. It's also sometimes referred to as the Rabbit Hutch Spiders as they're often found inside rabbit hutches. They're usually chestnut coloured, although some specimens can be lighter in colour. Frequently there is a line of tiny cream coloured dots running around the midline of the abdomen.

the second pic looks like steatoda grossa not sure about the orange poss eggs or mites ?
: Found mainly in the southern half of the UK. Frequently found at coastal areas, especially in south west England

[tigger]

Do you think that this is a Steatoda bipunctata Faz? I wondered whether it could be Steatoda nobilis?

Here is the thread for the previous photo:

Spider with Loads of Red Mites?

Cheers. Jane

[faz]

first spidr looks like Bipunctata but im no spider expert


this a Nobillis although colours and patterns may vary

[Jason Green]

Evening Tigs,

The second looks rather like Steatoda nobilis.

Take care,

Jason

[tigger]

Many thanks for your replies!

Cheers

Jane

[Pepsis]

They are both Steatoda nobilis. Older female tend to get darker, loosing the more characteristic white pattern.

[Geoff F]

Both species can be quite variable in colouration but comparing the ruler measurements, which would appear to be around 15 mm body size, will 'rule out' S. bipunctata which is about half the size.

[tigger]

Thanks for all your great comments. It seems that due to the size, this is most likely to be Steatoda nobilis. I've also drawn the same conclusion from the folk over at iSpot at False Widow Spider / Steatoda nobilis (Invertebrates) by WildlifeStuff on 1st March 2011 | iSpot


Cheers. Jane