Invertebrates
Noble False Widow
Steatoda nobilis
In the corner of a garden shed, a noble false widow sits at the heart of a tangled web, its glossy, rounded body marked with a pale skull-like shape.
Overview
The noble false widow, Steatoda nobilis, is a Not Evaluated spider native to Madeira and the Canary Islands that has spread widely in western Europe. Its widow-like looks, untidy webs in sheds and walls, and mild bite make it one of the most talked-about spiders in Britain, though the fears it prompts are usually out of proportion.
A spider that looks scarier than it is
The noble false widow bears a passing resemblance to its famous venomous namesake, but bites are rare and in most people cause only mild symptoms.
Status
Not Evaluated globally, though widespread and spreading.
Noble False Widow: common questions
Is the noble false widow dangerous?
Bites are rare and in most people cause only mild symptoms, similar to a wasp sting, though anyone worried should see a doctor.
Why is it called a false widow?
It is named for its resemblance to the black widow, which it is not closely related to.
Where did the noble false widow come from?
It is native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, and reached Britain in the nineteenth century before spreading across Europe.
Where is the noble false widow found?
It lives in and around buildings, walls, and fences, and is now widespread in western Europe.