Steatoda nobilis is a recent addition to the Cornish checklist. This stocky (some would say scary) species is present in some numbers in the vicinity of Truro Cathedral where it was discovered in September 2004. Originally found in Torquay in 1879 (where it is now abundant), Steatoda nobilis appears to be spreading north in the UK. It prefers to live on the outside of buildings (rarely indoors) and constructs a tubular retreat. The easiest way to find it is to go out at night and search crevices in walls using a torch.

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