Where are false widow spiders found in the UK?

Noble false widows are not native to the UK, but are thought to have arrived from the Canary Islands in banana boxes in the late 1800s. Populations became established along the south coast and have since spread north, likely aided in their expansion by global warming. The other two species are both native to the UK.

What do you do if you find a false widow spider?

If you do see a noble false widow spider, you can remove it by placing a glass or other receptacle over the top of them, and then sliding a piece of card under the container. Pick it up carefully and release it outside, preferably a little way away from the property if possible.

How can you tell a false widow spider UK?

How to spot a false widow spider

1. They grow to about the size of a 50 pence coin, 7-15mm in length with a leg span of about 35mm.
2. The body is quite bulbous, and has a smattering of cream on top.
3. The cream smattering can sometimes resemble a skull, but this can vary.
4. Leg and body colour is a browny-orange.

Are false widow spiders rare in the UK?

Also known by their Latin name Steatoda, there are several species found in Britain, all so-called ‘false widow’ spiders. Three types tend to live in or near buildings, Steatoda bipunctata. These are widespread, probably occurring in every household and building in the country and are harmless to humans.

How common are false widows in the UK?

Only around 12 of these are recorded as species that have bitten humans. So, if you see a spider, the likelihood is that it is just a harmless, common British spider. False widows are not the deadly spiders they are sometimes thought to be.

Where do you find false widow spiders?

The Steatoda nobilis, more commonly known as the noble false widow spider, originated from Madeira and the Canary Islands, but can now be found throughout Europe, North Africa, West Asia and parts of North and South America.

Should I be worried about false widow spiders?

Don’t panic if you have been bitten by a false widow spider. Most likely, you will only experience mild symptoms. You’ll probably feel a slight ache or pain around the bite and may see a small red spot. However, if you developе flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately!

What does a false widow bite feel like?

The worst symptoms of a bite include mild to debilitating pain and mild to intense swelling. Some victims have experienced tremors, reduced or elevated blood pressure, nausea and impaired mobility. In rare instances, minor wounds and even severe bacterial infections have developed.

What does a bite from a false widow look like?

A false widow bite looks like most insect bites. A small hole, or the sting itself, may also be visible. The lump may have an inflamed (red and swollen) area around it that may be filled with fluid. It’s long been understood that, though false widows do have a venomous bite, the venom is not particularly potent.

Can false widows jump?

Spiders – including false widows – are afraid of being squished or eaten, so they are vying for a humble life in the crevices of home foundations or in the crannies of garden sheds. It won’t jump at you and it certainly shouldn’t pursue you.

Should I worry about false widow spiders?

How do you identify a false widow spider?

How to identify False Widow spiders

1. Its legs are reddish-orange colour.
2. Females range in size from 9.5 to 14mm while males are 7 to 11mm.
3. The false widow spider’s body and legs have a glossy appearance.
4. The false widow is of medium size with a round, brown body with cream coloured markings.

Are there false widow spiders in the UK?

The map below shows some of the registered sightings of false widow spiders around the UK. Feel free to add your own by clicking the link below the map. The grey pins on the map mean there is a photo. This really helps when confirming a sighting, so if you can post a photo along with your report that would be really helpful.

What are the characteristics of a false widow spider?

Other Characteristic Features: Like other members of the genus Steatoda, these creatures have a bulbous abdomen, although the body of the male is somewhat thinner and more elongated than the females. Also, this species has very poor eyesight.

Which is worse a black widow or a false widow?

“The spider is very elusive, slow-moving and actively goes out of its way to avoid humans, often living in undisturbed and dark places and usually hides when approached. “The venom is far less dangerous than that of the black widow, and in most cases is no worse than a mild bee sting.

What kind of spiders live in the UK?

S. bipunctata (rabbit hutch spider) is not known to bite and is extremely common throughout Britain. S. grossa (cupboard spider) is resembles the black widow spiders more than the others and also packs a painful bite. This spider has long been considered native to the UK and until recently attracted very little attention.