Steatoda albomaculata
This record describes Steatoda albomaculata (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Northeastern Variation - abdomen white or white with black marks, sometimes in the form of a series of anterior pointing triangles making a median dorsal black line. Abdomen pattern very variable. Western Variation - abdomen black often with a white line along anterior edge, venter black with white marks. Epigynum:
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
Geographic Range
Across most of the western USA & southern Canada, also in the northeastern USA, but not found in the southeastern USA. Very common in the Colorado mountains.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Steatoda albomaculata. 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 Steatoda albomaculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , Jeff Hollenbeck , cheins , kschnei
Frequently Asked Questions About Steatoda albomaculata
What is Steatoda albomaculata?
Steatoda albomaculata is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Steatoda albomaculata?
4.0-8.0 mm
How do you identify Steatoda albomaculata?
Northeastern Variation - abdomen white or white with black marks, sometimes in the form of a series of anterior pointing triangles making a median dorsal black line. Abdomen pattern very variable. Western Variation - abdomen black often with a white line along anterior edge, venter black with white marks. Epigynum:
Where is Steatoda albomaculata found?
Range: Across most of the western USA & southern Canada, also in the northeastern USA, but not found in the southeastern USA. Very common in the Colorado mountains.