#cobweb weaver

mewtrixster submitted:

It has two longer front legs. Just wanted to know if it’s a common house spider or not because it looks venomous

Hello! This is not a dangerous spider. Likely a Steatoda (False Widow) or Parasteatoda (common house spider) species. They do well indoors, and help get rid of household pests! And though their venom is not harmful to humans, they rarely bite anyway, even under duress. 

@spoopysnail submitted:

What kind of spider is this? My brother found it where he works often. Should he be worried? We live in Texas if it helps.

Hello! The chevrons on her back indicate that your brother’s friend is a harmless Steatoda triangulosa, or triangulate cobweb weaver. People often mistake them for their cousins the widow spiders due to the similar body shape and tangled webs, but they’re completely harmless. They rarely bite, and when they do it’s nothing more serious than a mosquito bite.

They’re actually pretty helpful friends to have, as they often live in basements and garages eating up pest insects that may otherwise get into your food or spread disease. Tell him and his coworkers to thank their little chevroned friends!

@cosmonaughty submitted:

I found this lovely little lass on campus in San Diego, CA  and used my pillbox to move her to safety. Do you know what my little friend might be? (sorry for the poor picture quality, I had to brighten it a little to make the markings visible).

Hello! Sorry, but your “lass” here is actually a “lad!” He’s a Noble False Widow, Steatoda nobilis. They’re often mistaken for actual widow spiders, even though their venom is mostly harmless. Thanks for looking out for him!

Can you help me identify this spider?

Photo taken in East Los Angeles CA.

Found in McAllen, Texas.