The two genera are closely related – both occurring in the same family, Theridiidae – but Steatoda are significantly less harmful to humans.

The colour can range from sandy pale brown to reddish plum to satiny black.

Although sometimes not or partially visible, these markings usually consists of a frontal crescent, often with a dorsal line or triangular shapes or both.

These spiders have very poor eyesight and depend mostly on vibrations reaching them through their webs to orient themselves to prey or to warn them of larger animals that could injure or kill them.

(While the redback antivenom appears clinically active against arachnidism caused by Steatoda spiders,[68][100][101][102] as these cases are often mild and the evidence of its effectiveness is limited, this treatment is not recommended.