Parasteatoda tepidariorum, also known as Achaearanea tepidariorum, has the vernacular name "American house spider". It was probably introduced to the UK from warmer countries, and in the UK tends to be found indoors or in heated greenhouses. The individuals used to create these electron micrographs were collected in a tropical greenhouse in North Dorset.
The photograph is a side view of a recently deceased female. Note the distinctive "higher than long" shape of the abdomen.
Head and chelicerae of a female Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Chelicerae of a female Parasteatoda tepidariorum, viewed from the side nearest to the mouthparts
Left Pedipalp (male sexual organ) of Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Epigyne (female sexual organ) of Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Spinnerets of Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Oblique view of the right pedipalp of Parasteatoda tepidariorum
