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Steatoda

Steatoda
Steatoda bipunctata female (aka).jpg
S. bipunctata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Family: Theridiidae
Genus: Steatoda
Sundevall, 1833
Species

S. bipunctata
S. borealis
S. capensis
S. grossa
S. iheringi
S. hespera
S. nobilis
S. paykulliana
S. triangulosa
 many more

Diversity
122 species

S. bipunctata
S. borealis
S. capensis
S. grossa
S. iheringi
S. hespera
S. nobilis
S. paykulliana
S. triangulosa
 many more

The spider genus Steatoda, in the family Theridiidae, includes over 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 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.

They have a small cephalothorax and a larger abdomen, which is somewhat egg-shaped. The colour can range from a brown or reddish plum to satiny black. The abdomen often has white or beige spots, a frontal crescent, and sometimes, small red spots or a thin red line (but never a stripe like a redback spider).

Many spiders of the genus Steatoda are often mistaken for widow spiders (Latrodectus), and are known as false black widows. They are closely related (in the family Theridiidae) but Steatoda are significantly less harmful to humans. Not all Steatoda species resemble widows – many have distinct coloring, and are significantly smaller than Latrodectus specimens. Some species of Steatoda will actually prey on widows, as well as other spiders which are considered hazardous to humans.

Some members of this genus do have bites which are medically significant in humans (such as S. grossa and S. nobilis); however, bites by Steatoda species generally do not have any long-lasting effects. There may be blistering at the site of the bite, and a general malaise lasting for several days. Symptoms can include moderate to severe pain increasing for the first hour (without severe sweating). Some people have reported mild to moderate nausea, headache, and lethargy. The duration of all symptoms and effects can range from 1 to 60 hours.


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Wikipedia

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