false widow

Steatoda

Steatoda

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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, in compost bins, and in cupboards and dark nooks and corners. 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.