Spiders have always been a part of my garden, and over the years, I have encountered several species. One that often gets mistaken for the notorious Black Widow is the False Black Widow spider (Steatoda grossa). Many people fear these spiders because of their resemblance to the real Black Widow, but after observing them closely in my garden, I’ve learned they are quite different. In this article, I will share my personal experience with the False Black Widow and some interesting facts about this misunderstood spider.
Discovering the False Black Widow in My Garden
I first noticed a False Black Widow in the corner of my shed, hidden among wooden planks. At first glance, I thought it was a Black Widow, but after taking a closer look, I realized it lacked the famous red hourglass marking. Its body was a deep brownish-black, and it had a slightly rounder abdomen compared to the real Black Widow.
Unlike the Black Widow, which prefers undisturbed locations, I found False Black Widows in more accessible places like fences, under flower pots, and even inside my garage. Their ability to adapt to different environments makes them common in urban areas.
How to Identify a False Black Widow
After observing these spiders up close, I noted a few key differences between them and true Black Widows:
- Color: False Black Widows are usually dark brown or purplish-brown, while Black Widows are shiny black.
- Markings: They do not have a red hourglass; instead, they may have faint light markings on their abdomen.
- Size: They are slightly smaller than Black Widows, with females growing up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm).
- Web Structure: Their webs are similar to true widows – messy and irregular – but they tend to build them in more open spaces.
Behavior and Web-Building
One thing I found fascinating was their web-building technique. False Black Widows create tangled, sticky webs close to the ground, much like real Black Widows. They are nocturnal, meaning they mostly stay hidden during the day and become more active at night.
I once observed a False Black Widow capture a small moth in its web. It quickly immobilized the insect by wrapping it in silk before feeding. This behavior was almost identical to that of the Black Widow, reinforcing why so many people confuse the two.
Are False Black Widows Dangerous?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether False Black Widows are dangerous. While they do have venom, it is much weaker than that of a Black Widow. Their bite can cause mild pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a bee sting, but they are not considered medically significant.
I have spent years living around these spiders, and I have never been bitten. They are not aggressive and usually only bite if they feel threatened. If left undisturbed, they go about their lives catching pests like flies and mosquitoes, which actually makes them beneficial to have around.
Where Do False Black Widows Live?
False Black Widows are found in many parts of the world, including North America and Europe. They thrive in warm, sheltered areas such as:
- Sheds and garages
- Woodpiles
- Attics
- Outdoor furniture
I have even found them inside my home, usually in quiet corners where they can spin their webs without disturbance.
Why I Appreciate the False Black Widow
At first, I was unsure about having these spiders in my garden, but after learning more about them, I have come to appreciate their role in the ecosystem. They help control insect populations and rarely pose any risk to humans. Their resemblance to Black Widows may cause fear, but once you recognize their differences, they become less intimidating.
Now, whenever I find a False Black Widow in my garden, I observe it with curiosity instead of fear. They are fascinating creatures that deserve a better reputation. If you ever come across one, take a closer look—you might just realize that these spiders aren’t as scary as they seem!
