Black Cobweb Spider
October 27, 2009
The Black Cobweb Spider (Steatoda capensis), also known as the Brown House Spider and Cupboard Spider, is a species of arachnid commonly found throughout southern Africa. It has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand it is commonly known as the false katipo.
This small spider is mostly shiny black and may have a small bright red, orange, or yellow patch near the tip of the abdomen. There may also be a crescent shaped band near the front of the abdomen. The bite of this spider is generally less harmful than other venomous spiders and most bite victims feel ill for about a day.