What Size Are False Widow Spiders?
False widow spiders are a type of spider found throughout parts of North and South America, West Asia, and Europe. They usually live in outdoor areas. They aren’t aggressive towards humans and can be found in homes, buildings, and other structures.
In addition to being a predator, the false widow spider also serves as a web weaver. It creates a scaffold web that is tangled with silk. The false widow spider lays three egg sacs, which hatch within two to four months.
False widow spiders aren’t generally aggressive, and their bite isn’t fatal. However, their bite can cause pain and an allergic reaction. Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, and a small red area at the site of the bite can be painful.
Although not native to the UK, noble false widows have spread to areas of the country in recent years. In southern England, populations are now well distributed. They’re not as prevalent in northern Britain. Global warming is a likely reason.
They are usually found in outdoor spaces, but can sometimes venture indoors. Their glossy appearance makes them appear similar to black widow spiders, though they aren’t as big or as aggressive.
The male false widow spider is a bit smaller than the female. The female can be up to 15 millimetres in length. The males die shortly after mating.
The venom from the false widow spider’s bite isn’t particularly potent. It can cause a localised pain, as well as swelling, fever, and vasodilation of the blood capillaries.