Cobweb-weaver
Guides
Enoplognatha
Candystripe Spider (E. ovata)
Enoplognatha is a genus of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) first described by P. Pavesi in 1880. The genus includes approximately 75 species with cosmopolitan distribution. Members are characterized by a large colulus, subspherical abdomen, and males typically possess enlarged chelicerae. The genus is considered a senior synonym of Symopagia.
Enoplognatha ovata
candy-striped spider, common candy-striped spider, polymorphic spider
Enoplognatha ovata is a small theridiid spider native to Europe and introduced to North America. The species exhibits striking color polymorphism, with three main morphs varying in abdominal pigmentation from plain to striped patterns. Despite its diminutive size (4-7 mm), it is an effective predator capable of capturing prey substantially larger than itself. Females construct tangled webs on the undersides of leaves and demonstrate maternal care by guarding egg sacs and provisioning spiderlings.
Parasteatoda
Colourful Comb-footed Spiders
Parasteatoda is a genus of comb-footed spiders (family Theridiidae) first described by Allan Frost Archer in 1946. The genus name derives from Greek "para-" (near) combined with the related genus Steatoda. Species in this genus are characterized by a teardrop-shaped or nearly spherical abdomen with highly variable coloration, and possess the comb-footed spines on the fourth leg typical of theridiids. The genus contains 42 species and one subspecies as of October 2025, distributed primarily across the Old World with many species in Asia and New Guinea, though several have been introduced to the Americas and Europe through human commerce. The best-known member, Parasteatoda tepidariorum (Common House Spider), has become a significant model organism for evolutionary developmental biology research.
Parasteatoda tabulata
Wandering House Cobweaver
Parasteatoda tabulata is a cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by H. W. Levi in 1980. It is native to tropical Asia but has been introduced to North America, Europe, and temperate Asia including China, Korea, and Japan. The species belongs to a genus closely related to the Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) and shares similar web-building habits.
Steatoda grossa
Cupboard spider, Dark comb-footed spider, Brown house spider, False black widow
Steatoda grossa is a cosmopolitan cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, native to Europe and temperate Asia and introduced globally. It constructs irregular three-dimensional webs in dark, sheltered locations and is frequently mistaken for venomous black widows (Latrodectus spp.) due to its similar body shape and coloration, though it lacks the distinctive red hourglass marking. Bites to humans are rare and generally minor, causing localized pain and blistering with occasional systemic symptoms.
Steatoda mexicana
Steatoda mexicana is a cobweb weaver spider (family Theridiidae) described by Herbert W. Levi in 1957. It is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Like other Steatoda species, it constructs irregular tangled webs and is a member of the same genus as the well-known Triangulate Cobweb Weaver (S. triangulosa) and the Noble False Widow (S. nobilis). Very little specific information has been published about the biology of this particular species.
Theridion agrifoliae
Theridion agrifoliae is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, described by Levi in 1957. It is native to western North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Like other members of Theridiidae, it constructs irregular, three-dimensional webs to capture prey. The species epithet "agrifoliae" suggests an association with coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), though specific ecological relationships remain poorly documented.
Theridion arizonense
Theridion arizonense is a species of cobweb weaver spider in the family Theridiidae, described by Herbert W. Levi in 1957. The specific epithet suggests an association with Arizona, though detailed information about this species remains limited in the available literature. As a member of the genus Theridion, it shares the general characteristics of small to medium-sized theridiid spiders that construct irregular, three-dimensional webs.
Theridion australe
Theridion australe is a cobweb spider species in the family Theridiidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1899. The species is part of the large genus Theridion, which contains numerous small spiders that construct irregular, three-dimensional webs. It has been recorded across parts of the Americas including the United States, Mexico, and Caribbean regions. Like other theridiids, it possesses comb-like spines on the hind tarsi used to manipulate silk.
Theridion glaucescens
Theridion glaucescens is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It occurs in the United States and Canada. As a member of the genus Theridion, it builds irregular three-dimensional webs typical of theridiid spiders. The species was described by Becker in 1879.