The black widow spider is one of the most venomous and dangerous spiders in North America. They are usually identified by the black and red markings on the underside of the abdomen, also known as opisthosoma. This red spot is usually hourglass shaped.
Black widow spiders are not insects. They are arachnids, which means they belong to the animal class Arachnida. Because they are spiders, they only have two body segments (unlike insects with three). They also have eight legs.
Female black widows are darker and larger than males. Females are usually dark black, males are usually dark brown and do not have a bright red hourglass shape on the abdomen. Females can reach about ½ inch in length and 1 ½ inch in stride length. Male black widows are usually half the size of females.
Adult female black widow spiders are extremely venomous spiders. Young males and black widows are not generally considered dangerous to humans. After being bitten by a black widow spider, you should seek immediate medical attention. If you can catch the spider, it will help you identify the spider type and potential medical measures. If you see a black widow spider, don’t mess with her. Tell your parents or teachers right away.
Female black widow spiders usually lay their webs low to the ground. Once she finds a good spot and builds her website, she will usually be in or around her site most of the time. Most of the time, she will hook her belly to her net, which will make it easier for you to identify the hourglass mark. It also warns predators, who will recognize the bright color and not want to eat it. Although eating a poisonous spider does not kill a predator, such as a bird, it can make it sick.
Black widow spiders are carnivores. They feed on insects they catch in the web such as flies, grasshoppers, beetles and mosquitoes. Sometimes the female kills and eats the male spider, hence the name black widow spider.
Females will lay hundreds of eggs at a time. The eggs stay in a cocoon woven by the mother until they hatch. When they hatch, they are alone with only a small percentage of those that survive.
Black widow spider venom is 15 times stronger than rattlesnake venom. However, a black widow spider will inject much less venom than a rattlesnake with a typical bite.
Black widow spiders can live up to 3 years.
Although the bite of a black widow spider can be fatal to young children, most people survive.
Common predators include wasps, mantises, and birds.
Not all black widow spiders have a red hourglass on their bellies, so it’s best not to mess with black spiders.
They prefer dark areas and are nocturnal.
