Species guide
Noble false widow
VenomousSteatoda nobilis
What does Noble false widow look like?
A glossy brown spider with a bulbous abdomen marked with cream patterning often likened to a skull. Builds tangled webs around windows, sheds and walls; common in the UK.
Is Noble false widow dangerous?
Britain's most medically significant spider — but bites are uncommon and usually no worse than a bee sting (pain and local swelling). Serious reactions are rare, despite the scary headlines.
Commonly confused with
- True black widow — glossy black with a red hourglass — not found in the UK
What should I do about Noble false widow?
Don't handle it. If bitten, clean the area and watch for spreading redness or infection — see a doctor if it worsens.
Recorded 27,848 times in the wild worldwide.
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