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Spider Photos - Black Widow

Widow Spiders

BLACK WIDOW

Black Widow spiders inhabit most of the warmer regions of the world to a latitude of about 45 degrees N. and S. They occur throughout all four deserts of the American Southwest. Related Species Widow spiders (Genus Latrodectus) are the best known and largest of the Cobweb Weavers (Family Therididae). All widows are venomous, though not all can cause injury to humans. Black Widows comprise about six species and inhabit most of the warmer regions of the world to a latitude of about 45 degrees N. The female black widow spider, though it is the most venomous spider in North America, seldom causes death as it injects a very small amount of poison when it bites. Reports indicate human mortality at well less than 1% from black widow spider bites. Anyone bitten by a black widow spider should seek medical care. Black widow spiders are common around wood piles, and are frequently encountered when homeowners carry firewood into the house. They are also found under eaves, in boxes, outdoor toilets, meter boxes, and other unbothered places. Black widows have a distinctive round shiny black abdomen with red markings usually under its abdomen. They are a small spider with thin legs and the female's abdomen becomes larger just before laying her egg sac. Males are considerably smaller and usually not as dangerous as the female due to their size.

20 November, 2011:
Kennewick, WA USA Thank you,  SEAN

16 October, 2011:
HI, I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of spider this is? Thanks, Stacy

28 September, 2011:
This was a spider my friend took a pic of in Western Colorado, USA.

28 September, 2011:
Hi Glen We live in the San Fernando Valley just north of Los Angeles California. We are accustomed to finding Black Widows but yesterday I came across a spider that was similar to a black widow but he seemed to have longer legs and wasn't all black on his back. I've never seen such a spider here before. Perhaps you can help identify it.

28 August, 2011:
Hello! My name is Alexander. I live in Savannah, GA. I am fascinated by animals from my childhood. Today I found a Black Widow's nest near the porch of my house. And it wasn't the first spider of this kind I discovered. Few weeks ago I noticed one at my work. She made her nest in one of the corners and hides in the empty tube that hangs over there. So I figured it's the best place the spider could use. What nice spiders they are yet deadly)) This tiny creature killed two lizards already. At first I thought they were grasshoppers but when I came closer I was just shocked to see what those really were. I didn't have time to make pictures of that spider but I got some of the one near my house. I hope you'd like it! Awesome job with a website, sir! Many thanks!

14 August, 2011:
I have found several of these spiders in my apartment and I can't seem to find any photos that resemble this spider, i live in east Tennessee and when I have googles "small black spider with four red dots on back" it gives me the red back spider witch says it's from australia and or black widow both of witch have round grape shaped abdomens so I'm at a loss as to what kind of spider this is and if it's potentially dangerous to my two small children. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated, thank you

14 August, 2011:
Hi there! My name's Stephanie and I was wondering...can you identify this spider from the back??? I couldn't get close enough to get his face cuz I was worried it might bite me. It is eating a wolf spider (if I'm not mistaken) that got caught in it's web and died. I had seen the wolf spider two days ago and it freaked me out-then today I saw this spider eating it!!!!! I only just noticed after I zoomed in several frames that this spider has some sort of a red mark on its belly, but its not black. Is it a brown widow??? I've never seen one before. I am absolutely terrified of spiders but as long as they're outside I USUALLY let them live...but they better stay outta my space! lol. However, I need to know what to do should I encounter this spider again. It was gone by the time I got home from work. Thank you so much! Stephanie

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13 December, 2010:
Hi Glen, I have a friend that lives in Texas and he came accross this picture while demoing old buildings... This spider was hanging out on the door handle! Can you please tell us what this is? Thanks, Sarah

14 November, 2010:
Hello, my name's Wendy. We live in El Paso, TX, and are about to move into a new home. When doing the inspection, I found this spider in the kitchen. I took photos of it, before we quietly removed it. I was hoping you could help us Identify this spider. It's probably the size of a Pop can lid... We'd REALLY appreciate it. We searched on many websites and couldn't find a match. Thanks! ~Wendy and Jason

7 October,  2010:
Dear Glen, I came across your site, “Spiderz Rule!” at www.spiderzrule.com and have found it of much use! For my own interest, I have been photographing and cataloging the spiders that live around my house in Chino Hills, California, USA. I was wondering if you could help me identify one? I have attached two very clear photographs of it. I believe that this is a common spider, perhaps in the Orbweaver family. I just cannot match up its very distinctive markings to anything else. It also reminds me of a Cellar Spider, but it is smaller in size, with shorter legs and different banding colors on the legs. Anyways, your consideration and thoughts are greatly appreciated! Warm regards, Eric

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20 September,  2010:
Greetings Glen, I found your site while researching spiders found in my back yard. I really enjoyed the site, and am very impressed by the amount of information available. I have attached two images for submission to your “Spider Photos” section.  The 2nd image is a black widow, that had made its home in a plastic trashcan outside my office. ( Nikon D300, 105mm Nikor Micro Lens, 1/60 sec, f/20, ISO 400) – 9/20/2010 Please let me know if you have any questions, and if you like these images I can provide others, I love studying spiders and am always adding more shots. Rick, San Antonio, TX, USA

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4 September, 2010:
Here is photo of Black Widow. Other hand was busy taking this photo :) Question: Which Black Widow? ;)

21 August, 2010:
Hi, I found this spider in my garage in Utah and was wondering if you could identify it for me. There has been a lot of talk about hobo spiders in my neighborhood and thought that it could be that but it didn't look like other hobo spiders on the net. If you could help me out I would greatly appreciate it. thanks