Shiny, dark brown to black body
Bulbous, rounded abdomen
Small head compared with body
Long, slender legs
Light cream or pale markings on the abdomen
Often mistaken for a black widow
Usually about 7 to 15 mm in body length
Web built in corners, sheds, or sheltered areas
Found indoors or around buildings
Distinctive oval or skull-like pattern on the abdomen in some species