Steatoda borealis, a spider species that belongs to the genus Steatoda is one of the members family of Theridiidae. In United States, they are found east of the Rocky Mountains as well as in Alaska.
Many spiders in the genus Steatoda are frequently misidentified as widow spiders and are dubbed “false black widows”. And even though they are relatives of the widows (Latrodectus sp.), they are not medically significant spiders. Some Steatoda species will even prey on widows as well as other spiders that are considered dangerous to humans.
Quick Overview: Steatoda borealis
Medically significant: No
Body size: 1/3″ (7 mm)
Main colors: Black, Brown, White
Range: Mostly Northeastern United States and Alaska
Web: Cobweb
Steatoda Borealis Description
Steatoda borealis is a relatively dark spider with a large bulbous abdomen. The main body color ranges from dark black to brown or reddish-brown. The front and hind leg pairs are longer than the middle pairs. Since most spiders in the genus Steatoda have a similar appearance, it can be hard to make an exact ID on a species level.
In order to identify a Steatoda borealis, look for the “T” shaped mark at the front end. The underside of the abdomen is also significantly lighter than the top. However, even that mark can be faded in older specimen and is also present on many Steatoda bipunctada who occur in a similar range.
Size
Steatoda borealis grows to an average body length of 1/3″ (7 mm). Males are smaller than females.
Web
Like other Theridiidae families, these spiders also construct a cobweb with irregular tangles of sticky silken fibers. Also, these spiders have very poor eyesight and they depend on vibrations reaching them through their webs.
Steatoda borealis bite
These spiders are not aggressive, and the majority of bites to humans are caused by defensive bites delivered when a spider is unintentionally squeezed or pinched in some way. Some bites may occur if a spider misidentifies a finger thrust into its web as its normal prey, but normally, any large creature will cause these spiders to flee.
A bite will usually cause symptoms comparable to a bee sting, with symptoms ranging from local swelling to redness and some pain.
Steatoda borealis Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Theridiidae
- Genus: Steatoda
- Species: Steatoda borealis
Distribution of Steatoda borealis in the USA
Steatoda Borealis was originally found exclusive in the Northern United States and Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains. Over the last decades, it has also spread to the south as far as South Carolina and Tennessee and is also found in Alaska.
Namely, it can be found in the following states with most occurrences in the northern states:
Found it in our bathroom.
Hello NP, thanks for getting in touch. This is a cobweb spider (Steatoda sp.). It’s most likely Steatoda borealis. Here is an image of a similar spider: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/146631-Steatoda-borealis
Was laying in bed and about to fall asleep and noticed this guy crawling next to my head. In the southern part of Idaho. Was found inside my bedroom. My room is cold from my AC unit. Didnt bite or anything but scared the heck out of me. Body probably about the size of a dime. Maybe a little smaller
Hello Rebecca, thanks for getting in touch! This is a cobweb spider of the genus Steatoda. They are also called false widow spiders and are close relatives to black widows – but not medically significant for humans or pets.
There are several species with a similar appearance but I would say this is Steatoda borealis.
Located in Wyoming.
Found this little dude in my room chillin on the ceiling. Decided to take a pic and put him outside.
Hello Dan, thanks for getting in touch! This is some type of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. Most likely genus Steatoda, possibly Steatoda borealis: https://usaspiders.com/steatoda-borealis/
Found this underneath the bottom of my stairs. Had a couple dead wolf spiders in its web. Guessing it’s the same species?
Hello,
I am from Bay Area, Central Coast. I found this one at the beginning of October. It was on my gazebo roof on my patio. I wonder if it is Steatoda Nobilis or Steatoda Borealis or something else. Size of a quarter.
Thanks
very docile, found on the wall low to the floor. took it outside, didnt bite. lovely spider
All black spider on my bathroom ceiling tonight never seen this kind before in Eastern part of New Hampshire
Hello… my daughter was bit 3 times by this spider… the bite marks and redness on 2 of the bites have disappeared already… its been about 20 minutes
Did it have a figure 8 almost x shape on the bottom? Just found one in our shower corner. Can’t find exact ID
Trying to positively ID? I’ve found several of these little guys over the past couple months. First one crawled on my roommate while we were watching TV, found the second one just out on the carpet, and this third one crawled on my face while I was settling in for bed(all very late night events)
They seem very chill, and they’re a much darker brown/red color than the picture appears. The ‘white’ spots are more of a creamy yellow, and not always visible without the bright flash.
(I have several more angles of pictures if needed)
Hello Ayila, thanks for getting in touch! This is definitely some type of Steatoda sp. spider. I can’t say with certainty what species. A picture more clearly showing the markings on the abdomen would certainly help. But even then, it could be impossible to make an exact identification.
Found in basement walking up wall. Harford County, Maryland. Plays dead when harassed.
Hello Rose, thanks for getting in touch! This is a male cobweb spider (Steatoda sp.). Possibly Steatoda borealis: https://bugguide.net/node/view/1018421
It’s not a medically significant spider.
Trying to possibly I’d this little guy who’s been living in between my window and the screen.
Hi Charlotte, this is a furrow spider (Larinioides cornutus): https://usaspiders.com/larinioides-cornutus-furrow-spider/
Found in my parents rental property in Anchorage, AK – so the spider could have relocated from anywhere.
Hi Nick, this is a female false widow spider (Steatoda sp.). Given your location, possibly Steatoda borealis: https://usaspiders.com/steatoda-borealis/
Found this little guy inside a brown paper grocery bag. It’s winter (upstate NY) here, would it survive if I put him/her outside?
Trying to get an ID on this spider we found.
I think this might be the species of this spider, found in Virginia in the corner of the garage
Found outside in southeastern CT. Curious to know what kind of spider this is. I’ve lived in this area for almost 60 years and have never seen one like this before.
Found this on my patio and I am from California, want to have an ID of this spider!
Found this on my patio and I am from California, want to have an ID of this spider! Never see one before
Found this in my patio, and I am from California bay area, want to get an Id of this spider, never see one before!
Found in my daughter’s shoe in October in upstate New York. Non-aggressive attempt to flee. Put them outside by the compost.
Most likely steatoda nobilis, the bite is usually no worse than a bee or wasp sting in terms of pain, however sometimes bites from this spider can cause a reaction called steatodism, where the pain can intensify, along with a fever, muscle cramps/spasms and a general feeling of being unwell. If your daughter develops a fever or the pain intensifies and you take her to the hospital, bring the spider with you to help them know what the cause of the reaction was.
Tryingnto ID spider found in bathroom in Eastern CT home. It did not move at all when I took this, probably should have used the flash but was too freaked out thinking black widow. It was all black, black legs with brown/tan on stomach but could not make out pattern.
Found like 6 of these guys on the side of my house. Slightly South of Denver, CO