I think I found a false widow spider

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Yesterday I was clearing behind the tumble dryer (which is rarely used) and along with the dust and cobwebs and the ubiquitous dog hair I accidentally wiped up a spider. It was about the size of a frozen pea and seemed in quite a hurry to make itself inconspicuous, but I was curious and tried to take some photos, with mixed success. But based on those I think I have found one of the species sometimes called a false widow spider, also known as the cupboard spider, Steatoda grossa. These are one of a few species that are being reported in the press with frightening headlines warning of an invasion of killer spiders and lurid photos of people with swollen, suppurating limbs after being bitten. In fact this species was first reported in Britain in 1879 according to the wildlife trusts and usually lives a quiet life in dark corners. Although it can bite humans this is about as painful as a wasp sting and only dangerous if it becomes infected (like any wound) or if it causes an allergic reaction. This particular spider seemed to want nothing more than a quiet life. All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2015.