Its shape and colors reminded me of this adult: but she's so much larger that I wondered whether it was possible. Could a spider more than double its body length in one molt? Or are males of this species tiny compared with females?

Next question: where is the square indentation, and how can you see anything ventral in this photo?

I think she meant dorsal carapace.

I apologize, I'm not sure how that one slipped by. I definitely meant dorsal.

I still don't know where to look. The whole surface is convex.

...that darkened square/rectangle on the top and center of the carapace close to where it meets the abdomen? It looks like a squarish indentation to me, which many cobweb spiders have. But of course, I wasn't there so maybe that is just an optical illusion. But nevertheless, my opinion is still a penultimate P. tepidariorum. Of course I could be wrong, I'm not an arachnologist or anything. :) And yes, the majority of nearly all male spiders are indeed much smaller than the females. And your male in these photos isn't an adult yet so his colors, etc. will still do some changing. Here is a nice example of two adult Parasteatoda tepidariorum:

on my photo. I can see it on the higher-resolution photo that Lynette linked to. Now I know what you're talking about. Thanks.

take a look at the carapace on this one


If you look closely at the carapace, you'll see a square indentation. I think that's what Mandy is talking about. Also, they are called Common House Spiders because they are very common and because the are often found on the outside walls of houses (not the inside). Hope that helps.

That is exactly what I was talking about. I took too long to post my comment I think, and then saw yours. I didn't mean to re-post the same info. Sorry 'bout that.

that looks right to me too.