Hopefully, it should deter the general public from needlessly killing any spider suspected as being Steatoda nobilis in a blind panic after all that has been (and unfortunately continues to be) incorrectly reported in those tabloid newspapers not worth the paper they're printed on.

Incorrect and ridiculously sensationalist reporting has done Steatoda nobilis no favours and to be honest, neither has the grossly exaggerated over-reaction of a proportion of the general public.

Even with a phobia of spiders, there is no plausible need to kill any UK spider. Only a handful of UK species have jaws that are developed enough, or are large enough to pierce human skin. The majority of the public will never come across any of these spiders and although some do occur in and around UK houses and other buildings, you have to deliberately go looking for them.

There are no outwardly aggressive UK spiders regardless of what the media claim. As with Bee and Wasp stings, spider bites are always the result of human interference one way or another - either accidentally or purposefully. They do not come looking for you, nor are any of our spiders really venomous. Proven Steatoda (False Widow) bites have been described as being similar to the sting from a Bee or Wasp.

Known Nottinghamshire records

Steatoda nobilis has been in the UK since for well over a century and is abundant in many parts of southern England. In recent years, there has been a gradual northwards spread but records from most Midlands counties are still unusual.

Although it does not habitually occur indoors, it may be found tucked away in garages, sheds and conservatories. It certainly does not lurk (as is sometimes reported in the press) in peoples clothing or beds. False Widow bites claimed by people sleeping in beds are utter nonsense, made even more nonsensical by the claim of seeing a 'small spider' in the vicinity. Adult Steatoda nobilis are quite large spiders.

This is a spider usually found around the outside of buildings and houses, where it builds a substantial 'scaffold' web (shown above) with a tubular retreat partially hidden within a crack or crevice. The web differs from other Steatoda species on the strength of its silk, being noticeably stronger.

If you have already killed your suspected Steatoda nobilis (Noble False Widow) then there's little point in carrying on any further. As we have already pointed out, there is absolutely no need to kill any spider found in a Nottinghamshire house - no matter how big your fear. Spiders can be safely caught in a glass or jar and released unharmed outside. Even if you do indeed find a False Widow around your house, chances are that you've lived with them for a number of years and they've not bitten the kids have they?

We are only providing photographic comparisons to help people determine the three species dealt with here. Remember that Steatoda nobilis is still rarely reported in many Midland counties and despite being on the increase, it is unlikely to be common throughout Nottinghamshire yet.

Learn to recognise Zygiella x-notata, as this is the spider which will inevitably be seen or found first. It remains active throughout the year and can often be found in its web on Winter evenings when the temperature is well below 0°C. Steatoda nobilis and Steatoda bipunctata are both generally less obvious species and only active at night. They both spin 'scaffold' webs with a tubular retreat running into a crevice and will drop out of their webs when disturbed. Allow for variations in the abdominal markings of both species.

Habitat .. Usually found around the outside of buildings and houses (rarely indoors), where it builds a substantial 'scaffold' web with a tubular retreat partially hidden within a crack or crevice. The web differs from other Steatoda species on the strength of its silk, being noticeably stronger.

Identification .. Adult Steatoda nobilis is significantly larger than both Steatoda bipunctata and Zygiella x-notata. Abdominal markings vary and are usually clearer and more pronounced on males. Mature females often lack any abdominal markings. The leg colour of the male is distinctively reddish to pale yellow.

Habitat .. Active at night, this spider favours the quiet corners of sheds, out-buildings and cracks along fences and walls etc, where it constructs a typical 'scaffold' web. It is often found in hutches and poultry sheds and sometimes commonly referred to as the Rabbit Hutch Spider.

Identification .. Much smaller than Steatoda nobilis, the abdomen is an attractive, rich chestnut brown colour. There is usually a whitish line or band running dorsally along the length of the abdomen, coupled with a white line/band running around it laterally. The strength and clarity of these markings can vary with the age of the individual spider and some older specimens can appear unmarked and very dark.

Habitat .. Zygiella x-notata spins a medium sized orb web on door or window frames etc, but also on outbuildings, sheds, fences and walls. Occasionally found indoors along the join of wall and ceiling, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, where windows are often open for long periods.

Females remain active throughout the year, even when temperatures drop below 0°C.

Identification .. The fact that Zygiella x-notata spins an orb web, should immediately rule out both Steatoda species, but this spider is still the most likely to be mis-identified and wrongly mistaken for Steatoda nobilis, despite being much smaller. As it is so common, familiarisation of the abdominal markings is easy and should be learned.