Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)

Photo by: Nick Brandley

Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)

Black Widow Spiders are found throughout the Western Hemisphere, preferring dimly lit areas such as garages, barns, hollow stumps, and dense vegetation. During the winter, these spiders typically reside in dry, sheltered areas such as warehouses and buildings. 

Black Widow Spiders feed on insects such as flies or moths, but they will also prey upon other spiders. 

Latrodectus mactans tend to be around .5 inches (12.7mm) long and 1.5 (38.1mm) when their legs are fully extended. Compared to females, males are fairly small and dully colored. Both sexes typically have brownish/black abdomens though most females have a reddish hour-glass shape on the underside of their abdomens. 

Though they get a bad rep, Black Widow Spiders are somewhat
“shy” and typically docile. It is rather difficult for these spiders to physically bite, and while their bites require medical attention, young children and elderly individuals are at the highest risk of death.