Notes on the false button spider Steatoda capensis Hann, 1990 in South Africa (Araneae: Theridiidae)

The false button spider Steatoda capensis was described as Teutana lepida by O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1904 from the Cape Peninsula. As the name lepida was preoccupied, a replacement name Steatoda capensis was provided. The species is known from southern Africa but was introduced to St. Helena, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. The general morphology of both sexes of the species is discussed, as well as the colour variations with photographs of live specimens and notes on their lifestyle and distribution in South Africa. Although not severe, S. capensis can produce a painful bite.