False widow

So I had this neat enclosure in a former pickle jar designed originally for a jumping spider, and I found this in the carport...
It's a Steatoda, but not sure on the specific species. Still studying google images.
[img][/img]


And the actual enclosure, made with cottonwood driftwood; this stuff gives you great curved bark pieces.
Second time around, I'll silicone the wood to the bottom rather than using hot glue, which doesn't stick to glass very well once it's cooled.

great set up, i like that idea

it looks like nobilis, but their colours change greatly

Wow loving that set up looks great

We have Steatoda grossa all over here. They are jet black so they truly resemble black widows without the hour glasses. They are one of my favorites. great little setup. you should make a video. Id love to get a better view of her dorsal aspect.

thats a snazzy lil enclosure you got there.

Thanks, I am rather proud of that setup.
Figured a Salticidae would appreciate all the flat surfaces and built-in hiding spots on the bark and under the leaves... but then I saw this girl and really liked the look, so she became the tenant.
She gets an occasional tiny cricket and a spritz of water on the webbing every couple of days, and she seems pretty content.

@Troglodyte: here's that dorsal view for you - she was feeling a bit more cooperative for pictures today.

Looks like Steatoda bipuncuata

Troglodyte wrote:

Looks like Steatoda bipuncuata

After searching up a few examples, yup. That's definitely the one.
Really nice looking spider.
We have the S. grossa here too (being pretty much the identical climate to yours), and probably at least one or two others.
I really like these jars for smaller enclosures... time to stock up on pickles.

ya your pretty much in the NW. I think you guys may be a little colder than us. Ive always wanted to go to Canada. Ive heard there's big foot in them there hills. Id love to go on an expidition. fruitless or no, it sounds like a good time.