Noble False Widow Spider Steatoda nobilis
I was alerted by strained buzzing that something was awry in the shed. This is what I discovered, an enormous female cocooning the unfortunate bee. Norwich - July 2022
By the kitchen window. It now lives in the hedge. Norwich - June 2022
Sitting in an old hummus pot having been discovered walking up the kitchen wall. Norwich - October 2019
I was a little alarmed when this was identified for me by Chris Buckfield on iSpot. However, the truth is they are not that dangerous. The Guardian reports These spiders are in truth rather docile and slow moving and tend to live inside their rather dense square webs feeding off the insects that stray into their path. They will not go out of their way to bite but handling them is not advisable and, if you know they are about in your neighbourhood, a quick check in a long unused pair of shoes or Wellington boot might be advisable in case you step on one. Another storm in a tabloid teacup. But remember to check your wellies befor putting them on!
Norwich - September 2017
Norwich - September 2017