Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00010
False Black Widow
Steatoda grossa
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About False Black Widow
False Black Widow (Steatoda grossa) belongs to Theridiidae in the order Araneae. Its recorded origin status is introduced.
Habitat and feeding
The false black widow makes an irregular cobweb in sheltered places. Its recorded prey includes insects and other spiders. The name distinguishes it from true widow spiders, but the shared shape and web style make careful identification important.
Reproduction and ecological relationships
Experimental research shows that prey supply affects growth, adult condition, and reproduction. Food-limited juveniles can also cannibalize siblings, with the outcome depending on density and the availability of fresh prey. These are observations about the species under studied conditions, not measurements of Kauaʻi population dynamics.
Local knowledge gaps
The Kauaʻi occurrence record does not establish household infestation rates, seasonality, or effects on native spiders. A local account should retain the distinction between documented presence and quantified ecological impact.
Kauaʻi occurrence and evidence
Atlas occurrence category: Present. The Kauaʻi record is classified as “Present”. Its cited evidence source is iNaturalist Kauaʻi checklist.
Account coverage
Published species details have been added. A complete Kauaʻi-specific account of identification, habitat, feeding, reproduction, and population trend is not yet established by the sources linked here.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Steatoda grossa
- Common names
- False Black Widow
- Family
- Theridiidae
- Order
- Araneae
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Introduced
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- False Black Widow (Steatoda grossa) belongs to Theridiidae in the order Araneae. Its recorded origin status is introduced.