What Does a Common House Spider Look Like?
The common house spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, is a small cobweb spider with a rounded abdomen and variable mottled markings. Its reference photograph illustrates general spider anatomy, not a diagnosis of every indoor spider. Species identification can depend on fine structures and geographic context, so retain multiple sharp views and avoid certainty from colour alone.
The licensed image is a common-house-spider reference from New Zealand. It demonstrates morphology but does not prove occurrence or identity at a Georgian property.
Common house spider reference
Parasteatoda tepidariorum
- Appearance
- Eight slender legs, a small front body region and a rounded, variably mottled abdomen.
- Context
- This species commonly builds irregular cobwebs in sheltered corners in regions where it occurs.
- Useful clue
- Photograph dorsal markings, leg proportions and scale; species-level confirmation may need expert review.
Which Clues Help With Spider Identification?
The intact spider is the primary evidence. Record body shape, leg proportions, markings, eye region if visible, size and posture. Add the type and location of any web, egg sac or retreat. These clues narrow possibilities, but many species vary by sex, age and colour, and a juvenile can look different from an adult.
Where Should You Document Spider Evidence?
Photograph spiders and webs where they occur: window corners, ceilings, storage spaces, balconies, basements, vegetation or sheltered exterior edges. Include a wide view of the setting. Do not reach blindly behind objects, disturb an active egg sac or climb without safe access to obtain a closer photograph.
Corners and windows
Record the spider, web shape and nearby flying-insect activity.
Storage and basements
Use a light and inspect visually without placing bare hands into hidden spaces.
Exterior shelter
Photograph balcony, vegetation or facade context without disturbing the spider.
Common confusion
Spider, Harvestman, Tick or Insect?
Spiders have eight legs and two main body regions. Harvestmen also have eight legs but appear to have one broadly fused oval body. Ticks have a compact body and short forward-projecting mouthparts, while adult insects have six legs and may have antennae or wings. A tiny blurred animal can remain unresolved until a sharper image is available.
Harvestman
Eight legs around a broadly fused-looking oval body rather than a distinct abdomen and front region.
Tick
Compact body, no web and different leg placement; life stage changes size and appearance.
Insect
Six legs and three main body regions, often with antennae or wings.
Do not use internet colour charts alone to label an unknown spider as medically significant.
What Photographs Are Useful for a Spider?
Take a sharp top view with scale, then a side view and an underside view only if it is naturally visible and safe. Include the web, retreat or egg sac without disturbing it and a wider location image. Record when the spider appeared, whether it is alive and where the photograph was taken.
- 1
Photograph the full spider from above with a ruler or coin nearby.
- 2
Capture markings, abdomen shape and leg proportions in focus.
- 3
Add the web or retreat and a wide view of the location.
- 4
Do not handle, crush or reposition an unknown spider for a better image.
Health-sensitive boundary
Can a Bite or Skin Mark Identify a Spider?
No. Many skin conditions and bites can look similar, and a spider found nearby is not proof that it caused a mark. Do not delay medical care while attempting online identification. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, severe or spreading pain, significant swelling, systemic symptoms or other concerning reactions.
- Do not touch an unknown spider with bare hands.
- Keep children and pets away from the specimen and web.
- Do not cut, squeeze or apply pesticide to a skin lesion.
- Use local medical or emergency guidance for concerning symptoms.
- Preserve a safe photograph or contained specimen only if this does not create risk.
This page does not diagnose bites, venom effects or medical risk from a photograph.
Related Identification Resources
Compare other many-legged arthropods and prepare safer evidence.