Order Araneae Rank Species | ||
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Similar Katipo, False black widows, Steatoda grossa, Steatoda erigoniformis, Steatoda paykulliana | ||
Steatoda capensis is a spider originating from South Africa. Its common names include the black cobweb spider, brown house spider, cupboard spider and due to its similarities to the katipo spider it is commonly known as the false katipo in New Zealand. Common throughout Southern Africa, it has been introduced into other countries and is now present in Australia and throughout New Zealand. It is a small spider, usually an all-over shiny black it may have a small bright red, orange, or yellow patch near the tip of the abdomen along with a crescent shaped band near the front of the abdomen.
It is thought that in some instances Steatoda capensis can bite humans causing a syndrome known as steatodism; which has been described as a less-severe form of latrodectism. Bites can be quite painful and can cause a general malaise for about a day.
