Steatoda erigoniformis
(O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872)
Steatoda erigoniformis is a cobweb spider in the Theridiidae. Originally described from the East Mediterranean region, it has a broad native distribution spanning North Africa, the Middle East, Caucasus, and East Asia. The has been introduced to multiple regions including the United States, Caribbean, Venezuela, Cape Verde, and South Africa, where it has established in agricultural and natural . It constructs three-dimensional cobwebs in dark, sheltered locations and has been recorded from sea level to nearly 3,000 meters elevation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Steatoda erigoniformis: //stiːəˈtoʊdə ɛˌrɪɡoʊnɪˈfɔːrmɪs//
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Images
Habitat
Constructs three-dimensional cobwebs in dark, sheltered places. In South Africa, has been recorded from six provinces at elevations ranging from 53 to 2,985 meters. Particularly abundant in agricultural settings including cotton, maize, and tomato fields. Occurs in Grassland, Nama Karoo, and Savanna biomes.
Distribution
Native range: North Africa (Egypt), Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Middle East, India, China, Korea, and Japan. Introduced to: United States, Caribbean, Venezuela, Cape Verde, and South Africa. In South Africa, established across multiple provinces with broad altitudinal range.
Human Relevance
In South Africa, occurs as a common spider in crop fields including cotton, maize, and tomato. Listed as Least Concern by conservation assessments due to wide geographical range. Protected in Ophathe Game Reserve and Ndumo Game Reserve in South Africa.
Similar Taxa
- Steatoda triangulosaBoth are small Steatoda with patterned that construct cobwebs in human-associated ; S. triangulosa has distinctive triangular pattern and is more thoroughly documented in North America
- Steatoda nobilisBoth are introduced Steatoda with expanding ranges; S. nobilis is larger, more venomous, and has different abdominal pattern
- Steatoda grossaCongeneric cobweb spider with similar web structure but different coloration and pattern
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Theridion erigoniforme by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1872. Several have been synonymized with S. erigoniformis including Steatoda septemmaculata, S. signata, and Euryopis albomaculata. The species has not been formally revised.
Conservation status
Listed as Least Concern due to wide geographical range. The is protected in Ophathe Game Reserve and Ndumo Game Reserve.