Latrodectus is a broadly distributed genus of spiders with several species that, together, are referred to as true widows. This group is composed of those often loosely called black widow spiders, brown widow spiders, and similar spiders. However, such general "common names" are of limited use as the diversity of species is much greater. A member of the family Theridiidae, this genus contains 32 species, which include several North American "black widows". In addition to these in North America are also the red widow Latrodectus bishopi and the brown widow Latrodectus geometricus, which, in addition to North America, has a much wider geographic distribution. Elsewhere, others include the European black widow, the Australian redback black widow, several different species in Southern Africa that can be called Button spiders, and the South American black widow spiders. Species vary widely in size. In most cases, the females are dark-coloured, but some may have lighter bodies or even reddish. Many can have red, white or brown markings on the upper-side (dorsal) of the abdomen. Some can be readily identifiable by reddish markings on the central underside (ventral) abdomen, which are often hourglass-shaped.
Theridiidae, also known as the tangle-web spiders, cobweb spiders and comb-footed spiders, is a large family of araneomorph spiders first described by Carl Jakob Sundevall in 1833. This diverse, globally distributed family includes over 3,000 species in 124 genera, and is the most common arthropod found in human dwellings throughout the world.
Parasteatoda tepidariorum, the common house spider, referred to internationally as the American house spider, is a spider species of the genus Parasteatoda that is mainly indigenous to the Americas, with P. tepidariorum australis but has achieved a cosmopolitan distribution. American house spiders are synanthropic and build their tangled webs in or near human dwellings, greenhouses or similar, often in secluded areas such as between loose walls and behind open doors and attic windows. Statistically, they are the most often encountered spider by humans in North America, and least likely to adopt defensive behavior in their vicinity. Their prey mechanism is similar to that of the other cobweb spiders: the spider follows disturbances transmitted along the web to entangle and then paralyze its prey, which usually consists of household insects and other invertebrates.
The spider genus Steatoda, in the family Theridiidae, includes about 120 recognized species, distributed around the world. One common name is cupboard spider, for many species build their webs in dark, sheltered, undisturbed places around the house or garden, in sheds and garages, under garden furniture, compost bins, and the like. Signs of the cupboard spider include small white spots of spider droppings, like small splashes of paint, on the floor underneath the web.
Steatoda grossa, commonly known as the cupboard spider, the dark comb-footed spider, the brown house spider, or the false widow, is a common species of spider in the genus Steatoda.
The triangulate cobweb spider is a common spider in the genus Steatoda. It is well known for the triangle-shaped pattern on the dorsal side of its abdomen.
Steatoda nobilis is a spider in the genus Steatoda, known in the United Kingdom as the noble false widow and is often referred to as the false widow. As the common name indicates, the spider superficially resembles and is frequently confused for the black widow and other spiders in the genus Latrodectus. S. nobilis has medically significant venom, where in England, it has a reputation as one of the few local spider species that is capable of inflicting a painful bite to humans, with most bites resulting in symptoms similar to a bee or wasp sting.
Steatoda capensis is a spider originating from South Africa. Its common names include the black cobweb spider, brown house spider, cupboard spider and due to its similarities to the katipō spider it is commonly known as the false katipō in New Zealand. Common throughout Southern Africa, it has been introduced into other countries and is now present in Australia and throughout New Zealand. It is a small spider, usually an all-over shiny black it may have a small bright red, orange, or yellow patch near the tip of the abdomen along with a crescent shaped band near the front of the abdomen.
Steatoda bipunctata is a species of cob-web spider, of the genus Steatoda, in the family Theridiidae.
Steatoda rufoannulata, is a species of spider of the genus Steatoda. It is found in India, Java, Sri Lanka, and Sumatra.
Steatoda borealis is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States and Canada.
Steatoda variata is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States and Mexico.
Crustulina altera is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States.
Steatoda grandis is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States.
Steatoda albomaculata is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States and a range from the Caribbean to Brazil.
Crustulina sticta is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in North America, Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, a range from Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Korea, and Japan.
Steatoda punctulata is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States and Mexico.
Steatoda palomara is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States.
Steatoda hespera is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States and Canada.
Euryopis splendens is a species of comb-footed spider in the family Theridiidae. The range of distribution is the south east of Australia. The spider lives under stones or bark.
