Appearance
Females can reach a body length of 22 mm, males up to 15 mm. This species is much darker than others of the same genus. While subadult spiders have a greyish opisthosoma with a marking similar to "Segestria senoculata", adults are of a uniform black, sometimes with a green iridescent shine, especially on the chelicerae, which reflect with a striking green. The sexes are similar. Adults occur from June to November.Distribution
Originally a species of the Mediterranean region as far east as Georgia, it can now be found in many towns in southern Britain, where they were probably introduced via seaports at least since 1845. It has been found in several places in Cornwall, South Molton North Devon, Newcastle, Torbay, Bradninch, Jersey, Plymouth, Bristol, North Somerset, Swindon, Gloucester, Ashford, Folkestone, Deal, Dover, Hayes, Southampton, Salisbury, Whitstable, Canterbury, South East London, Vinters Park, Maidstone, Portsmouth, Exeter, Sittingbourne, Isle of Sheppey, Essex, Faversham, Tonbridge, Sheffield, Bridgwater and Newport, where it prefers south-facing walls. Specimens have been found in Exeter Cathedral as far back as 1890. It has also been found in Argentina, Australia and several Atlantic islands, where it was probably also introduced.Egg-laying females are known to prefer the habitation of brick structured buildings. During winter months, females will lay eggs within the bricks of south facing structures. If a female is found between the months of September and October, it is highly likely that she has laid eggs in preparation for the next spring. Infestation of buildings is possible if not found and treated early.
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