IC 417 (Sh2-234) is sometimes called the Spider nebula. Sharpless 2-234 and 2-237 are together sometimes called the Spider and the Fly. IC 417 surrounds the star cluster Stock 8. Avedisova gives two ionising stars: HD 35619 (O7V) and BD +34 1054 (B0 IV). SIMBAD gives O9.5V for this second star. This two objects together with Sh2-231-33 form a complex of HII regions located together in the Perseus arm in the outer galaxy. This complex may be associated with an old (330 thousand years) supernova remnant.