There are a small group of spiders in France that can be referred to as “False widow spiders”. They are members of the Steatoda species that bear a resemblance to the much more notorious black widow spiders, (Latrodectus spp.),

These False Widows are usually chestnut coloured, although some specimens can be lighter in colour. Frequently there is a line of tiny cream coloured dots running around the midline of the abdomen, and there is sometimes a pale line running along the top of the abdomen from front to back. Found in houses, sheds, out buildings including rabbit hutches which they seem to be especially attracted to. Extremely low likelihood of being able to bite a human.   Female: 4.5-7 mm            Male: 4-5 mm

This species originally from the Canary Islands and Madeira but has been found in France for at least 100 years with a preference for coastal regions. They have a bulbous abdomen with cream coloured markings that are often likened to the shape of a skull. Their legs are reddish-orange. They can be found both inside and outside of buildings. Bites, should they occur, are normally no worse than a bad bee or wasp sting.     Female 8.5-14 mm        Male: 7-10 mm

This species is quite characteristic by its black colour and body with short bristles that make it appear smooth. Only the abdomen can have other colours and in France we often see a very visible dorsal abdominal spot: white, yellow, orange or red. There may also be a clear middle spot on the abdomen with sinuous edges. These warning colours are related to its toxicity to vertebrates, its potential predators and its bite can paralyse small mammals for a short period of time. Found in warm and dry environments, with little or no vegetation. Vineyards are a typical habitat. Rarely enter houses. Although its bite can be quite painful it isn’t life threatening for humans. Female: 8-13 mm      Male: 4.5-6 mm