False widow identification (Steatoda grossa)


Insect identifier · Spiders and scorpions

How to identify a False widow

Steatoda grossa
· Also called cupboard spider, steatoda, false black widow, cupboard spider identification

False widow identification photo

False widows are common cobweb spiders: brown/purple bulbous abdomen, no bright red hourglass. Usually a painful local bite, not widow cramping.

Brown or purple bulbous abdomen, messy cobweb, no red hourglass. Common in sheds and cupboards. Bite is usually local pain. If you get true muscle cramping, treat it as a possible widow and get care — IDs get mixed in the same corner. Photograph the underside.

What does a false widow look like?

Bulbous abdomen like a widow but brown with cream or chevron marks. Messy corner cobweb.

False widow (Steatoda grossa) is Female body about 6–10 mm. Colors people notice: brown, purple, cream. Field marks: Bulbous abdomen like a widow but brown/purple, not shiny jet black; Cream or chevron marks on abdomen; No bright red hourglass; Messy cobweb in corners. It is found indoor. If those marks are missing, open Southern black widow, Western black widow, Northern black widow before you force this name. Search phrases that belong on this page include what a false widow looks like and false widow identification.

Identification marks

  • Bulbous abdomen like a widow but brown/purple, not shiny jet black
  • Cream or chevron marks on abdomen
  • No bright red hourglass
  • Messy cobweb in corners

Size: Female body about 6–10 mm
Colors: brown, purple, cream
Where: indoor

What a typical false widow bite looks like

Typical false widow bite or sting
A typical pattern. Reactions vary. This is a guide photo, not a diagnosis.

Local pain and a red welt, sometimes mild nausea. Seek care if muscle cramping is severe — confirm it was not a true widow.

People searching “false widow bite identification” want the pattern, not a single anonymous bump. Local pain and a red welt, sometimes with mild nausea. Far milder than true black widow as a rule. Immediate steps on this page: Wash, ice, soothe itch; Seek care if muscle cramping is severe — confirm it was not a true widow; Photo the underside if you can do so safely. This species does bite or sting people. Fever, spreading redness, trouble breathing, or a child with many stings is professional care.

If you were bitten

  1. Wash, ice, soothe itch
  2. Seek care if muscle cramping is severe — confirm it was not a true widow
  3. Photo the underside if you can do so safely

False widow vs Southern black widow

Brown or purple bulb, cream marks, no red hourglass. Common in sheds. Locally painful bite. True widow cramping is a different level.

Range and season

Homes and sheds, year-round.

Cupboards, sheds, and window corners, year-round.

Synanthropic worldwide, common in North American homes and sheds.

Year-round indoors

Common questions

False widow vs black widow?

False widows are brownish with pale markings and no red hourglass. True widows are glossy black with red ventral marks.

Is the bite dangerous?

Usually a painful local reaction. Systemic widow-like illness is not the typical pattern.

Should I panic if I see one in the house?

No. They are common cobweb spiders.

Is a false widow bite serious?

Usually a painful local bite. Seek care if cramping is systemic.

Related identification pages