Steatoda albomaculata

(De Geer, 1778)

white-spotted false widow, white-spotted false widow spider

Steatoda albomaculata is a small cobweb in the Theridiidae, commonly known as the -spotted false widow. It is widely distributed across North America, Europe, Russia, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Asia. The has been studied for its on various and is recognized as a . It was formerly considered to have two , but Steatoda albomaculata infuscata was synonymized with the nominate form in 2024, leaving no valid subspecies.

Steatoda albomaculata by (c) Roman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roman. Used under a CC-BY license.

Steatoda albomaculata by Gergin Blagoev, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Foto Steatoda albomaculata maschio by Andrea EDASA. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Steatoda albomaculata: //stiːəˈtoʊdə ælboʊˌmækjʊˈlɑːtə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

Recorded from North America, Europe, Russia (from Europe to the Far East), North Africa, Israel, Kazakhstan, Iran, the Caucasus, Central Asia, India, China, Korea, and Japan. GBIF records confirm presence in Germany and Sweden.

Diet

. A 2009 study in the Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research examined on three different , though specific prey identities were not detailed in the available abstract.

Behavior

Constructs cobwebs typical of the Theridiidae. varies depending on .

Ecological Role

. Functions as a predator in various .

Human Relevance

Not recognized as dangerously venomous to humans or pets. Like other Steatoda , it may be mistaken for true widow (Latrodectus) due to similar body shape and web structure, but lacks the potent neurotoxic of medically significant widow spiders.

Similar Taxa

Steatoda triangulosaAlso a small theridiid with patterned , but has distinctive paired wavy rusty or purplish- on a dirty or beige background rather than white spots.
Steatoda nobilisLarger false widow with more build; to Madeira and Canary Islands but elsewhere, causing more public concern due to size and more painful bite.
Latrodectus spp.True widow have more globular , often with red or orange markings (hourglass or spots), and possess medically significant neurotoxic .

More Details

Taxonomic history

Steatoda albomaculata formerly included two : the nominate Steatoda albomaculata albomaculata and Steatoda albomaculata infuscata. In 2024, S. a. infuscata was synonymized with S. albomaculata, and the currently has no recognized subspecies.

Research note

A 2009 study published in the Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research (DOI: 10.21608/ejar.2009.196619) specifically examined the biology and of this , indicating ongoing agricultural and interest, though full study details were not accessible from the provided abstract.