Steatoda paykulliana

Fact Box Species: Steatoda paykulliana or a closely related species (see notes at bottom of page) Family: Theridiidae Body length: female: 7-9 mm male: 2-4 mm Habitat: Usually found with some associated webbing under the loose bark of trees but may sometimes establish itself in undisturbed piles of timber or other materials Toxicity: This species has been reported (see note below) as being somewhat toxic to humans and therefore should be treated with caution if found Australian habitats

With egg sac Male and female View of underside Another female

The identity of the spider shown on this page is uncertain since adult females of the closely related cupboard spider, Steatoda grossa, look very similar. The identification is based on that shown on page 221 of "A Guide to Spiders of Britain and Northern Europe" by D. Jones, both of these Steatoda species being cosmopolitan. Curiously, the male shown on this page does not seem to match that shown for either Steatoda species, although it was found in close association with one of the females shown above.

Note that there have been reports from Europe of Steatoda paykulliana bites causing significant illness in humans. In addition, Isbister and Gray (Journal of toxicology; Clinical toxicology, 2003, Vol. 41, pages 809-819) have recorded that bites by Steatoda species in Australia can cause prolonged pain and systemic effects similar to, though less severe than, those of the redback spider, Latrodectus hasselti. Fortunately, the available redback spider antivenom also seems to be effective in instances of Steatoda envenomation.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Other Steatoda species and Euryopis splendens.