The Black Widow is probably the most infamous spider in the world. It is the one spider that is not only dangerous, but most people will recognize it. So they think! What many people do not realize, is that there are actually different species of Widows and some can look a little different than the others.
There are five main species of the Widow Spiders in America. Below are the different species and where they are located. Pictures will be in each species section.
North America
Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)
Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)
Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus)
Red Widow (Latrodectus bishopi)
Brown Widow (Latrodectus Geometricus)
See below for species of the Latrodectus outside of the United States.
Basic Black Widow Description:
The Female Black Widow will have a large round abdomen and long lanky legs. The entire spider will be a solid glossy black and smooth all over. They will have orange to rad markings on the under side of the Abdomen and can have more of the same color markings on the back of the abdomen. The orande/red markings can very depending on which species of the Widow it is. (See description of individual Widows below.)
Male Widows - once reaching adulthood, will stop eating as they have only the drive to mate. Their abdomens will shrink due to the lack of eating. The males will have orange or red spots outlined in white, running down the middle of the abdomen, and have white and yellow stripes on the sides of the abdomens. Their legs will have orange to red sections.
Young/Immature Widows - Will start out looking more yellow and/or white, and the black, as well as red markings, will become more evident with each molting. The juvenile Widows of both sexes will have patterns like the adult males. The yellow, white, and some of the red markings will fade for the females.
(See the descriptions of the Brown Widow and Red Widow in the specific spider's information.)
Web:
The Latrodectus is a cobweb spider. Their webs are put together haphazardly with strands running in every direction, giving it a look of a cob web.
Bite Info:
The Black Widow can leave a medically significant bite. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten (especially for children and elderly). There is an Anti-venom available for the Black Widow bite.
Initial bite may feel similar to a pin prick.
Possible symptoms may include: Local swelling and intense pain in limbs, chest and muscle pain, tremors, laboured breathing and speech, nausea, profuse perspiration,vomiting, cold clammy skin, a weak pulse and may lapse into unconsciousness. Convulsions may occur.
Brown Widows venom is twice as potent as the Black Widow's venom, however they do not inject as much venom when they bite.
Red Widow bites are similar to the Black Widow. However, I have read one account stating that the muscle spasms that occur can be permanent, re-occurring a few times a year for a couple of minutes.
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Southern Black Widow
(Latrodectus mactans)
PHOTO NEEDED
Description:
The hourglass marking under the abdomen can be red, orange or even yellowish.
A row of red spots run down the center of the back of the abdomen. In many cases, the spots are meshed together to create an elongated marking, while on others, the spots can look faded. Often, there may be only one red marking near the back end of the abdomen.
Size (Approx.):
Adult female body = 1/2" (13mm).
Including the legs = 2 1/4" (57mm)
Adult male body = 1/4" (6mm)
Including the legs = 1 3/4" (43mm)
Range of the Southern Black Widow
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Northern Black Widow
(Latrodectus variolus)
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| Female Photographed by: Mark Fogler - Newaygo County, Michigan |
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| Male Photographed by: Robert - Big Rapids, Michigan |
The hourglass marking under the abdomen is typically broken into two separate markings.
A row of red spots usually run down the center of the back of the abdomen.
Size (Approx.):
Adult female body = Just under 1/2" (12mm).
Including the legs = 2 1/4" (57mm)
Adult male body = Just under 1/4" (5mm)
Including the legs = 1 3/4" (43mm)
Range of the Northern Black Widow
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Western Black Widow
(Latrodectus hesperus)
PHOTO NEEDEDDescription:
The hourglass will usually be a complete shape and be a bright to dark red.
When females are younger, there may be a small red spot near the tip of the abdomen, but as they grow older, they become a solid black or dark brown in color with just the red hourglass for a marking.
Unlike other species, the Male is more of a brown color instead of black and has three light diagnal stripes on each side of the abdomen with red spots (likely meshed together) running down the center. Their hourglass can be red, orange or yellow.
Size (Approx.):
Adult female body = 1/2" (13mm).
Including the legs = 2 1/4" (57mm)
Adult male body = 1/4" (6mm)
Including the legs = 1 3/4" (43mm)
Range of the Western Black Widow
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Red Widow
(Latrodectus bishopi)
PHOTO NEEDEDDescription:
The hourglass marking under the abdomen can be red, orange or even yellowish.
A row of red spots run down the center of the back of the abdomen. In many cases, the spots are meshed together to create an elongated marking, while on others, the spots can look faded. Often, there may be only one red marking near the back end of the abdomen.
Size (Approx.):
Adult female body = 1/2" (13mm).
Including the legs = 2 1/4" (57mm)
Adult male body = 1/4" (6mm)
Including the legs = 1 3/4" (43mm)
Range of the Red Widow
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Brown Widow
(Latrodectus geometricus)
PHOTO NEEDED
Description:
The hourglass marking under the abdomen can be red, orange or even yellowish.
A row of red spots run down the center of the back of the abdomen. In many cases, the spots are meshed together to create an elongated marking, while on others, the spots can look faded. Often, there may be only one red marking near the back end of the abdomen.
Size (Approx.):
Adult female body = 1/2" (13mm).
Including the legs = 2 1/4" (57mm)
Adult male body = 1/4" (6mm)
Including the legs = 1 3/4" (43mm)
Range of the Brown Widow
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Central and South America
L. antheratus
L. apicalis
L. corallinus
L. curacaviensis
L. diaguita
L. mirabilis
L. quartus
L. thoracicus
L. variegatus
Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and western Asia
L. dahli
L. hystrix
L. lilianae
L. pallidus
L. revivensis
L. tredecimguttadus
Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar
L. cinctus
L. indistinctus
L. karrooensis
L. menavodi
L. obscurior
L. renivulvatus
L. rhodesiensis
South,East, and Southeast Asia
L. elegans
L. erythromelas
L. ex laos
Australia and Oceania
L. hasseltiiL. katipo
Worldwide
L. geometricus