Steatoda

The spider genus Steatoda, in the family Theridiidae, includes about 120 recognized species, distributed around the world (including many cosmopolitan species which are found among human populations worldwide). 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, in compost bins, and cupboards. Signs of a Steatoda spider include a messy, tangled web with small white spots of spider droppings and insect exoskeletons in the area underneath the web.

Many spiders of the genus Steatoda are often mistaken for widow spiders (Latrodectus), and are known as false widows. The two genera are closely related – both occurring in the same family, Theridiidae – but Steatoda are significantly less harmful to humans. Not all Steatoda species resemble black widows – they come in many different colors and sizes, mostly smaller than Latrodectus species. Steatoda paykulliana can grow larger than the black widow, and Steatoda castanea looks more like a brown widow.