Steatoda bipunctata
Steatoda bipunctata
''Steatoda bipunctata'' is a species of cob-web spider, of the genus ''Steatoda'', in the family Theridiidae.
It is common in North America and Europe. It may be found in proximity to human structures, such as basements or sheds. A nickname for this arachnid is the Rabbit Hutch Spider, since rabbit hutches often make a suitable habitat. The ''Steatoda bipunctata'' is similar in shape to the Black Widow spider of the genus ''Latrodectus'' and can thus be mistaken for it, although its bite is significantly less dangerous to humans. For this reason, species of the genus ''Steatoda'' are commonly called 'False Widows'.
The abdomens of both sexes are bulbous and brownish in coloration, typically with a broken pale line down the center and another pale line across the anterior portion of the abdomen. The apodemes on the dorsal side of the abdomen look like pairs of dark dimples and presumably give the spider its Latin name ''bi-'' and ''-punctata'' . The underside of the abdomen of the Rabbit Hutch Spider reveals a most interesting pattern resembling the infinity sign. The female abdomen is light brown and often shiny compared to the males.
It is common in North America and Europe. It may be found in proximity to human structures, such as basements or sheds. A nickname for this arachnid is the Rabbit Hutch Spider, since rabbit hutches often make a suitable habitat. The ''Steatoda bipunctata'' is similar in shape to the Black Widow spider of the genus ''Latrodectus'' and can thus be mistaken for it, although its bite is significantly less dangerous to humans. For this reason, species of the genus ''Steatoda'' are commonly called 'False Widows'.
The abdomens of both sexes are bulbous and brownish in coloration, typically with a broken pale line down the center and another pale line across the anterior portion of the abdomen. The apodemes on the dorsal side of the abdomen look like pairs of dark dimples and presumably give the spider its Latin name ''bi-'' and ''-punctata'' . The underside of the abdomen of the Rabbit Hutch Spider reveals a most interesting pattern resembling the infinity sign. The female abdomen is light brown and often shiny compared to the males.