Are false black widow spiders in the UK?

There are six species of false widow spiders that live in the UK (Steatoda nobilis, Steatoda grossa, Steatoda bipunctata, Steatoda albomaculata, Steatoda. triangulosa and Asagena phalerata). They are all black or brown, rotund species up to about the size of a small finger-nail.

Is there a spider that looks like a black widow spider?

Noble False Widow Spider (Steatoda nobilis) This spider is somewhat rare in the United States, but is found in California. The adult female has a bulb-shaped abdomen much like the widow spiders. But the abdomen is brown and has cream colored markings similar in shape to a skull. Bites are very rare.

Are false widow spiders rare in UK?

False widow spiders, a species that arrived in the UK as a stowaway from the Canary Islands, are hardly a new pest. In fact, they’ve been around for over a century, but numbers have increased to the point where they’ve become a problem nationwide.

What to do if you find a false widow UK?

If you do see a noble false widow spider, you can remove it by placing a glass or other receptacle over the top of them, and then sliding a piece of card under the container. Pick it up carefully and release it outside, preferably a little way away from the property if possible.

What do I do if I find a false widow spider UK?

How can you tell a false widow spider UK?

What does the noble false widow spider look like? The noble false widow spider looks similar to the black widow spider, hence the name. It has a striking bulbous abdomen which is brownish in colour, usually with distinctive cream markings and reddish-orange legs. Females can grow to 15mm, or 32mm, including the legs.

What should I do if I find a false widow spider?

How common are false widow spiders in UK?

In parts of Ireland and Britain, it has become one of the most common species of spiders found in and around urban habitats. With the increase in false widow spiders around homes, bites are becoming more prevalent, and scientists are now beginning to realise the full medical importance of these spiders.