False widow spiders are often mistaken for the more dangerous black widow, but most of them are harmless and misunderstood. In this guide, I’ve listed six common types of false widow spiders, including their appearance, size, habitat, and how risky their bite really is. If you’ve spotted one in your home or garden, this simple comparison can help you identify the species quickly and safely.
1. Noble False Widow (Steatoda nobilis)
The Noble False Widow is the most well-known and widely spread species among the false widow spiders. Native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, it has now spread to parts of Europe, including the UK and Ireland, and even parts of North America. It is often mistaken for the black widow due to its dark body and bulbous abdomen.
Appearance
The Noble False Widow has a shiny, dark brown to black body. The abdomen often features a pale, creamy marking that may look like a skull or crescent shape.
Identification
- Color: Dark brown to purplish-black
- Abdomen Markings: Cream-colored patterns (often like a skull)
- Legs: Orangish-brown with fine hairs
- Size: Females: 8–14 mm, Males: 7–11 mm
- Web: Irregular tangle web, often in buildings, sheds, and fences
Habitat
This spider is commonly found in and around buildings, especially in warm, sheltered areas like window frames, garages, and under furniture. Outdoors, it hides under stones, fences, and sheds.
Behavior
Noble false widows are mostly nocturnal and shy. They are not aggressive and only bite when threatened. Their venom can cause mild to moderate discomfort in humans, similar to a bee sting.
2. Cupboard Spider (Steatoda grossa)
The Cupboard Spider is another common species of false widow that is often found indoors, especially in dark, undisturbed corners of homes. It is widely distributed across Europe, North America, and Australia. Despite its resemblance to the black widow, it’s less dangerous and rarely bites.
Appearance
This spider has a shiny, dark body—ranging from reddish-brown to nearly black. Its abdomen is round and may have faint light markings, though some individuals appear completely solid in color.
Identification
- Color: Dark reddish-brown to black
- Markings: Sometimes faint pale lines or spots on the abdomen
- Size: Females: 6–10 mm, Males: 4–6 mm
- Web: Messy cobwebs, usually built in low corners, cupboards, or garages
Habitat
Cupboard spiders prefer indoor environments, such as kitchens, basements, and storage rooms. Outdoors, they hide under logs, rocks, or in cracks and crevices.
Behavior
These spiders are not aggressive and usually stay hidden during the day. Bites are rare and usually occur only if the spider is provoked. Reactions to bites are mild, causing localized pain, redness, and swelling.
3. Rabbit Hutch Spider (Steatoda bipunctata)
The Rabbit Hutch Spider is a small species of false widow often found around sheds, rabbit hutches, and garden furniture—hence the name. It is native to Europe and commonly seen in the UK. Though harmless to humans, it is sometimes mistaken for more dangerous species due to its web structure and shape.
Appearance
This spider has a smaller and more slender body compared to other false widows. Its abdomen is oval with a dark reddish-brown color and a lighter, pale line running down the center.
Identification
- Color: Reddish-brown to dark brown
- Markings: Light central stripe and two small pale spots on the abdomen
- Size: Females: 4–7 mm, Males: 3–5 mm
- Web: Cobwebs found in outdoor shelters, under eaves, or behind furniture
Habitat
Often spotted in rabbit hutches, greenhouses, sheds, or garden corners. It prefers undisturbed and sheltered outdoor spaces close to the ground.
Behavior
The Rabbit Hutch Spider is shy and non-aggressive. It poses no threat to humans and rarely bites. It helps control insect populations by catching flies and other small pests in its web.
4. Triangulate Cobweb Spider (Steatoda triangulosa)
The Triangulate Cobweb Spider is a small and harmless false widow species commonly found inside homes. Native to Europe, it has spread to many parts of North America. It’s easily recognized by the unique triangular patterns on its abdomen.
Appearance
This spider has a light yellowish or tan body with dark brown triangular or zigzag markings across its abdomen. Its legs are long and thin, often banded.
Identification
- Color: Light tan to brown
- Markings: Dark triangle or zigzag shapes on the back
- Legs: Long, slender, often banded with dark lines
- Size: Females: 4–6 mm, Males: 3–5 mm
- Web: Loose, irregular webs built in corners or under furniture
Habitat
Typically found indoors—especially in quiet areas like closets, behind furniture, or under sinks. Outdoors, it may live in crevices near window frames or walls.
Behavior
Non-aggressive and beneficial as it feeds on ants, flies, and other small insects. Bites are extremely rare and not medically significant. This species is known more for its pest control than for any danger.
5. Boreal Combfoot (Steatoda borealis)
The Boreal Combfoot is a lesser-known member of the false widow group, mostly found in North America, especially in Canada and the northern United States. Though not as common indoors, it can be found in shaded outdoor areas.
Appearance
It has a dark brown to black body with a slightly bulbous abdomen. Some individuals show faint markings, but many appear uniformly dark.
Identification
- Color: Dark brown to black
- Markings: Often plain, but may show faint lighter patches
- Size: Females: 5–8 mm, Males: 4–6 mm
- Web: Tangle-style webs built in shaded or hidden places
Habitat
This spider prefers outdoor environments like under rocks, bark, garden furniture, or logs. It may also be found in sheds, garages, or the corners of porches.
Behavior
The Boreal Combfoot is not aggressive and typically stays hidden during the day. It feeds on small insects and helps reduce pest populations. Bites are extremely rare and cause only mild, if any, symptoms.
6. White-Spotted False Widow (Steatoda albomaculata)
The White-Spotted False Widow is another species within the Steatoda genus. It is found in parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. While less common in households, it occasionally appears in sheltered outdoor areas.
Appearance
This spider has a dark reddish-brown to black body, with several small white or pale yellowish spots on the sides and back of the abdomen. Its legs are typically lighter in color compared to its body.
Identification
- Color: Dark brown or black
- Markings: Distinct small white spots on the abdomen
- Size: Females: 4–7 mm, Males: 3–5 mm
- Web: Irregular cobwebs, typically in crevices or under rocks
Habitat
Usually found outdoors, especially under stones, bark, or in dense vegetation. Occasionally, it enters garages or sheds if undisturbed.
Behavior
Very shy and reclusive. Like other false widows, it builds a messy web and waits for prey. It is not dangerous to humans and rarely, if ever, bites.
False Widow Spider Species Comparison
| Species Name | Scientific Name | Size (Female/Male) | Body Color | Habitat | Bite Risk |
| Noble False Widow | Steatoda nobilis | 8–14 mm / 7–11 mm | Dark brown to black with cream markings | Indoors, windows, sheds, furniture | Mild – similar to bee sting |
| Cupboard Spider | Steatoda grossa | 6–10 mm / 4–6 mm | Dark reddish-brown to black | Cupboards, basements, garages | Mild – localized symptoms |
| Rabbit Hutch Spider | Steatoda bipunctata | 4–7 mm / 3–5 mm | Reddish-brown with pale central line | Rabbit hutches, sheds, garden | Harmless – rarely bites |
| Triangulate Cobweb Spider | Steatoda triangulosa | 4–6 mm / 3–5 mm | Tan with dark triangular markings | Homes, behind furniture, closets | Harmless – extremely rare |
| Boreal Combfoot | Steatoda borealis | 5–8 mm / 4–6 mm | Dark brown to black | Outdoors, under rocks and logs | Very rare – mild symptoms |
| White-Spotted False Widow | Steatoda albomaculata | 4–7 mm / 3–5 mm | Dark with white spots | Outdoor vegetation, under stones | Very rare – not medically significant |
FAQs
1: What is a false widow spider?
A false widow spider is a type of spider that looks similar to the black widow but is less dangerous. The most well-known species is the Noble False Widow (Steatoda nobilis), found in the UK and other parts of the world. They have dark, shiny bodies and live in sheltered areas like sheds, walls, or windows.
2: Are false widow spiders dangerous?
False widow spiders are not deadly. Their bites can cause mild symptoms like pain, swelling, or redness, similar to a bee sting. Serious reactions are rare and mostly happen when the person has an allergy. They are not aggressive and usually bite only in defense.
3: What does a false widow spider bite look like?
A bite from a false widow often looks like a small red bump or swollen area. Some people may see a blister or feel itching, pain, or burning. In most cases, symptoms go away within a few days. If the bite becomes very swollen or painful, it’s best to see a doctor.
4: Where do false widow spiders live?
False widow spiders prefer warm, dry places. In the UK and Europe, they are often found in homes, gardens, sheds, and walls. They like to build messy cobwebs in quiet corners, behind furniture, or under windowsills.
5: How can I get rid of false widow spiders?
To remove false widow spiders:
- Keep your home clean and clutter-free
- Seal gaps in doors, windows, and walls
- Use a vacuum to remove webs and eggs
- Place natural repellents like peppermint oil near windows
If infestation is serious, consider calling a pest control expert.
