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Photo: Andrew J. Hones |
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UK
Safari Tip:
Need help identifying spiders? Try this superbly illustrated fold out ID chart -
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See larger image
Latin name: Steatoda grossa
Size: Head and body length approximately 10mm.
Distribution: Found mainly in the southern half of the UK. Frequently found
at coastal areas, especially in south west England.
Months seen: All year round.
Habitat: Mainly found in houses and out buildings
Food: Small insects
Special features: The abdomen is a red-brown colour with a crescent shaped stripe at the front and three pale triangular spots along the top. These markings vary
from spider to spider. Sometimes they're cream coloured (as above) and sometimes they're
purple or very dark brown.
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This spider is frequently confused with the Black Widow, in fact the common name
is 'False Widow'. The real Black Widow has a red marking on the base of
the abdomen.
The press (and Internet) is littered with tales of how dangerous this spider
is. Every time someone gets bitten by one it creates a torrent of
fear-inducing headlines. These stories generally highlight cases where the
victim has had an allergic, and sometimes life-threatening reaction - the same
as those experienced by people who are allergic to bee stings. For most
people the spider bite feels something akin to a wasp sting.
UK Safari Spider Section
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