False Widow Spider

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in and around domestic buildings, garages, and sheds, as well as on garden fences and walls.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on flying insects and other spiders, using a scaffold-like cobweb to capture prey.

Behavior Patterns

Nightly active; they build tangled webs and tend to stay near their retreat during the day. They have been known to live for several years in suitable conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Helps control pest populations of flies and other insects. Risks: They are a biting species; while not usually dangerous, the bite can cause localized pain and swelling similar to a bee sting, or occasional systemic symptoms like lethargy.

Identified on: 4/11/2026