Arizona species
Common house spider
Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Low
How to identify
- Mottled brown or tan body.
- No red hourglass under the abdomen.
- Small tangled webs in corners and windows.
- Rounded abdomen with varied markings.
- Size
- Body: about 0.2 to 0.3 inch.
- Habitat
- Window frames, corners and sheltered structures.
- Where in Arizona
- Around homes throughout Arizona.
Look-alikes
Prevention
- Seal gaps around doors and windows.
- Wear gloves when moving stored items.
- Keep boxes off the floor.
- Reduce clutter near walls.
Call Hydra if webs keep returning indoors or identification is uncertain. This common look-alike is often mistaken for a black widow.
When to call Hydra
Call or text us, we answer both. Or send us your details and we'll come back with a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the spider most often mistaken for a widow?
It is a common source of widow confusion. Mottled coloring and no red hourglass help distinguish it.
Does a tangled web mean black widow?
No. House spiders also build tangled webs.