Beware of false widow spiders on Dorset windowsills (From Dorset Echo)

Beware of false widow spiders on Dorset windowsills

9:39am Tuesday 28th July 2009

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THE mild climate in Dorset has brought an unusual visitor out of the woodwork.

While it may look like the deadly black widow, this spider found lurking in a Weymouth house is actually a false widow (Steatoda nobilis).

Experts say because of the warmer weather we have been experiencing over the last few years the false widow is no longer an uncommon sight in this part of the world.

But there’s no need to panic – they will only bite in extreme circumstances, and even then are unlikely to cause life- threatening injuries.

Weymouth musician Chris Lonergan discovered the spider hiding in the corner of a window at his home in Grove Avenue.

He said: “I first became aware of it when I heard a noise while I was in the kitchen.

“I thought it was someone upstairs at first but when I looked up I saw a spider had trapped a bee.

“My first thought was that it was a black widow but I realise now it’s a harmless relation. I’m happy to leave him be but I don’t think my son Jack is as calm as me about it because he’s terrified of spiders.”

Stuart Hine, entomologist at the Natural History Museum, confirmed it was a false widow and said local populations have been known in Dorset for some time.

But he added: “Over the last 10 to 15 years, as our winters have become increasingly mild, this species has become established and increased its range quite rapidly.

“The Dorset coast is certainly a hotspot for this species.

“It is not a serious risk, although as it has become more widespread and common more people have been bitten, with a handful of reports of more extreme symptoms.”

Assistant conservation officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust Anna Muckle said it was a ‘really nice’ specimen.

She added: “Spiders are an important part of the food chain; they are incredible hunters and help to manage insect populations. They are also prey for birds and other creatures.

“They will only bite if mishandled or provoked and if not causing a problem, should be left to their own devices.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust is running a ‘mini beast’ session at the Love Your Park event in Dorchester Borough Gardens tomorrow.

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