False Widow Spider - Steatoda nobilis

Sometimes known as the Noble False Widow spider - adults are usually larger than both Steatoda bipunctata and Steatoda grossa - the body length of an adult female false widow spider is around 15 millimetres, males are a little smaller. Maximum leg length of both sexes is about 25 millimetres. The abdomen is usually reddish and there is nearly always a distinct cream or whitish band around the front of the abdomen. Some paler markings are also present on most specimens.

if a 'typical' specimen with a good image

Typical specimens can be identified from a good image, others may require examination of the genitalia.

Steatoda nobilis is synanthropic and most commonly found in and around domestic and commercial premises, including conservatories, public toilet blocks, garages and sheds.

The males are mature in the summer and autumn, the females probably throughout the year.

It constructs a scaffold web that differs from others of the genus in the exceptional strength of the silk and in the tubular retreat that is at least partly concealed in a deep crack or hole. In spite of press hysteria, bites are rare and in most people little different to a bee sting.

Believed to be increasing its range further north.

Increasing in Leicestershire and Rutland.