Rabbit Hutch Spider
Steatoda bipunctata
This record describes Steatoda bipunctata (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
It has a glossy chestnut brown abdomen, usually with a thin pale band stretching across the front that incorporates a central white 'V' just behind the head. The abdomen has four tiny indentations on its back which in the absence of an internal skeleton, serve as anchor points for internal muscles. Females grow up to 7mm and males to about 5 mm. Typical specimens can be determined from good photos but some need checking. Usually indoors, often in animal pens, garages, sheds etc. Females are to be found all year round. Males are usually only found in summer and autumn. It feeds on anything that stumbles into its web (often woodlice). The web is just a tangle of criss-cross threads.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)
- Genus
- Steatoda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually indoors, often in animal pens, garages, sheds etc.
Seasonal Activity
Females are to be found all year round. Males are usually only found in summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It feeds on anything that stumbles into its web (often woodlice). The web is just a tangle of criss-cross threads.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Steatoda bipunctata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Rabbit Hutch Spider (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbit Hutch Spider
What is Rabbit Hutch Spider?
Rabbit Hutch Spider (Steatoda bipunctata) is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Rabbit Hutch Spider found?
Habitat: Usually indoors, often in animal pens, garages, sheds etc.
When is Rabbit Hutch Spider active?
Rabbit Hutch Spider: seasonal activity - Females are to be found all year round. Males are usually only found in summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Rabbit Hutch Spider?
It feeds on anything that stumbles into its web (often woodlice). The web is just a tangle of criss-cross threads.