Reptoria

False black widow (Steatoda paykulliana)

False black widow (Steatoda paykulliana), typical appearance of the species

Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for False black widow (Steatoda paykulliana) (origin: The Mediterranean (including the southern Alps) to Central Asia; dry, stony habitats). Adult size around females 8–13 mm, males 4.5–8.4 mm. Life expectancy usually 1–3 years, occasionally up to 5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

False black widow: How big does the enclosure need to be?

15×15×20 cm (at least ~10×10×15 cm; ventilation on two or three sides).

False black widow: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C (room temperature; not below ~10 °C), at night 15–20 °C.

False black widow: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

False black widow: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: usually 1–3 years, occasionally up to 5 years.

False black widow: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
20–26 °C (room temperature; not below ~10 °C)
Night temperature
15–20 °C
Basking spot
—
Humidity
40–60 %, dry, no waterlogging, well ventilated
UVB
No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size
15×15×20 cm (at least ~10×10×15 cm; ventilation on two or three sides)
Substrate
No substrate needed (dry); twigs and cork as anchor points for the web

Feeding

Food
Crickets, flies, mealworms, moths, isopods (no oversized crickets)
Feeding interval
adults every ~10 days, juveniles weekly

Key facts

Adult size
females 8–13 mm, males 4.5–8.4 mm
Life expectancy
usually 1–3 years, occasionally up to 5 years
Origin
The Mediterranean (including the southern Alps) to Central Asia; dry, stony habitats
Protection status
No CITES. The venom (a neurotoxin) is much weaker than Latrodectus – local pain and swelling, not life-threatening. No routine dangerous-animal status.
Brumation
Not essential; a cooler winter spell is possible, but not below 10 °C
Cohabitation
Keep them singly, strictly solitary and cannibalistic (as adults too). Put the male in with a mature female only briefly and under supervision.

Notes

One of Europe's larger cobweb spiders. Robust, and it mostly obtains moisture from its prey. A common mistake is humidity or substrate that is too damp. Avoid handling.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep False black widow (Steatoda paykulliana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (15×15×20 cm (at least ~10×10×15 cm; ventilation on two or three sides)), substrate (No substrate needed (dry); twigs and cork as anchor points for the web), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steatoda, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steatoda_paykulliana

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).