False widow spiders are often misunderstood and mistaken for their more dangerous cousins, the black widows. But are they really something to worry about? In this article, I’ve shared 20 clear and easy-to-understand facts about false widow spiders based on research and real-life sightings. Whether you’re just curious, worried about a bite, or trying to identify one in your home, these facts will help you get the full picture, without the myths.
1. False Widow Spiders Look Like Black Widows
False widow spiders are often confused with black widow spiders because they look very similar. Both have round, shiny bodies and dark coloring. However, false widows do not have the red hourglass mark that black widows are known for.
This confusion can make people afraid of false widows, even though they are less dangerous. Their body shape and web style also look like black widows, which adds to the mix-up. Learning to tell the difference is important so you don’t panic if you see one in your home or garden.
2. Noble False Widow Is the Most Common Type
The noble false widow, also known as Steatoda nobilis, is the most well-known and widespread species of false widow. It is often found in homes and gardens across the UK and some parts of Europe. Its body is shiny brown or dark with a pale pattern on the back, which helps people identify it.
This spider was first seen in the UK in the 1870s, but its numbers have grown in recent years. It has also spread to other countries, including Ireland and some areas in the United States, especially in warmer climates.
3. False Widow Spider Bites Are Rarely Serious
False widow spider bites do happen, but they are not usually dangerous. Most people feel a sharp sting or mild pain, similar to an insect bite. The area may become red or swollen, but serious problems are very rare.
In some cases, people may feel tired or have flu-like symptoms for a short time. These effects go away on their own, and medical treatment is rarely needed. Most bites happen when someone accidentally touches or disturbs the spider.
4. Bites Feel Like a Wasp Sting
When a false widow spider bites, it often feels like a wasp sting. The pain can be sharp and sudden, but it usually fades within a few hours. Some people may also feel a burning sensation or itching at the bite site.
Swelling, redness, and small blisters can appear, especially if the person has sensitive skin. While the bite may be uncomfortable, it’s not considered dangerous for most people. Taking rest, using ice packs, and keeping the area clean usually helps.
5. False Widow Spiders Make Messy Webs
The web of a false widow spider is not neat or perfect like a garden spider’s web. Instead, it looks messy and tangled, often built in corners, under furniture, or in sheds. These webs are sticky and help the spider catch insects for food.
False widows stay in the same web for a long time, especially if food is available. If you see a messy, cobweb-style web in a dark area of your home, it might belong to a false widow.
6. They Like Warm, Dry Places
False widow spiders love warm, quiet places to live. That’s why they are often found inside houses, especially in attics, behind furniture, or in rarely used rooms. They also build webs in garages, greenhouses, and sheds.
Outdoors, they may live in walls, fences, or under garden pots. These spiders do not like cold weather, so they often move inside when temperatures drop. This is why people usually notice them more in autumn and winter.
7. False Widows Are Mostly Active at Night
False widow spiders prefer to come out at night. During the day, they hide in dark corners or stay tucked inside their webs. At night, they become more active, moving around their web or looking for insects to eat.
Because they’re night-active, many people don’t notice them right away. You might only spot one if you turn on a light at night or clean in hidden areas like behind cupboards or under shelves.
8. They Only Bite When They Feel Threatened
False widow spiders are not aggressive. They don’t chase or attack people. Most bites happen when someone accidentally touches or traps the spider, like putting on a shoe or lifting a box where the spider was hiding.
If left alone, false widows will usually stay in their web and avoid contact. They only bite as a way to protect themselves when they feel in danger or disturbed.
9. Bites Are Uncommon, Even in Homes
Even though false widow spiders live in homes and gardens, bites are not common. Most people who have these spiders nearby never get bitten. This is because false widows don’t go looking for people—they just want to be left alone.
Many bites that are blamed on false widows turn out to be from other insects or are never confirmed. The real risk is low, especially if you avoid handling spiders or disturbing their hiding spots.
10. Female False Widows Are Bigger Than Males
In false widow spiders, females are usually larger than males. A female’s body can grow up to 15mm, while males are often smaller and more slender. Females also have bigger, rounder abdomens.
Because of their size, female false widows are more likely to be noticed and sometimes more likely to bite if disturbed. Males are less visible and often move around more in search of a mate, especially during warmer months.
11. They Can Live Up to Two Years
False widow spiders can live quite a long time compared to many other spiders. On average, they live between 1 to 2 years. In safe indoor spaces, where they’re not disturbed and have regular food, they may live even longer.
Females usually live longer than males, especially after reaching adulthood. Males often die shortly after mating. During their lives, they may stay in the same web for months if it’s a good location.
12. They Feed on Insects and Other Spiders
False widow spiders eat insects like flies, moths, and ants. They wait in their web until something gets caught, then rush out to bite and wrap it in silk. This helps control pests around the house or garden.
They also eat other spiders if they get the chance. This includes smaller or weaker spiders that enter their web by accident. Because of this, false widows can actually help reduce the number of other unwanted bugs.
13. False Widows Have Light Patterns on Their Body
One way to identify a false widow spider is by looking at its body markings. Most have a dark brown or purplish body with pale markings, often shaped like a skull or a cream-colored patch on the back. These patterns can help tell them apart from more dangerous spiders like black widows.
The markings are easier to see in good light or when the spider is still. Juvenile spiders may not have clear markings yet, but adults usually show the full pattern as they grow older.
14. Some Species Live in the United States
False widow spiders are not just found in Europe. In the U.S., species like the false black widow (Steatoda grossa) are fairly common. They can be found in California, Texas, Georgia, and other warm or coastal states.
These spiders often live in sheds, garages, or basements. Although they look scary, their bites are not dangerous. Many people don’t even realize these spiders are around because they keep to themselves.
15. False Widows Originally Came From the Canary Islands
The noble false widow spider came from Madeira and the Canary Islands. It was brought to Europe through shipping and trade in the 1800s. Since then, it has spread to many new places and become well established.
Today, you can find them in the UK, Ireland, and even parts of the U.S. and Australia. Their ability to survive indoors and adapt to new climates has helped them spread quickly.
16. Young False Widows Look Different From Adults
Juvenile false widow spiders can look quite different from adults. They are smaller, lighter in color, and may not have the full markings yet. Their bodies may appear more translucent or pale brown when they are young.
As they grow, they shed their skin (molt) several times. With each molt, their color darkens and the markings become clearer. This is why it’s harder to identify a false widow when it’s still a baby or in early stages.
17. There Are Several Types of False Widows
The name “false widow” includes several spider species, not just one. Some common ones are Steatoda nobilis, Steatoda grossa, and Steatoda bipunctata. All of them belong to the same spider family and share similar features.
Each type may look a bit different, but they are all often confused with true black widows. Knowing the types can help people identify them correctly and avoid confusion or unnecessary worry.
18. The False Black Widow Is Found in Homes
The false black widow (Steatoda grossa) is another well-known false widow species. It is dark in color and often lives indoors, especially in quiet, undisturbed places like closets, sheds, and garages.
Even though it looks a lot like the true black widow, its bite is much less harmful. Many people don’t even notice they’ve been bitten, or they may think it was just a bug sting. It helps keep insect populations low by feeding on pests.
19. False Widows Are Common in Southern UK
False widow spiders, especially the noble false widow, are now very common in the southern parts of the United Kingdom. Cities like London, Brighton, and Bournemouth often report sightings. The warmer weather in these areas helps the spiders thrive.
Over time, they have slowly moved northward as they adapt to new environments. Homes, schools, and offices have become usual hiding places. Their growing numbers have brought more attention to these spiders in the media and public.
20. They Are Not as Dangerous as People Think
False widow spiders often get a bad reputation because of how they look, but they are not deadly or highly dangerous. Most bites only cause minor problems like swelling, redness, or mild pain. Serious reactions are very rare.
Many people mistake other insect bites for false widow bites, which adds to the fear. In truth, these spiders want to be left alone and will only bite if they feel trapped or threatened. With better awareness, fear of false widows can be reduced.
