What are Black Widow Spiders?
Black widow spiders get their common name from the popular belief that the female eats the male after mating, a phenomenon which rarely happens in nature. These spiders can be found worldwide with five species established in the United States and are most recognized for the red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. Although fatalities are rare, the black widow’s venom is reported to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s and can cause muscle aches and nausea, as well as make breathing difficult. Read on to learn more about black widow spider control and extermination.
Black Widow Spider Identification
Color:Black, with characteristic red "hourglass" on the underside of abdomen
Size:1 ½ - 1 3/8 inches long
Legs:8
Antennae:No
Shape:Round
Region:Found throughout U.S.
What Do Black Widow Spiders Look Like?
Black widow spiders are typically black with two reddish triangular markings usually joined to form a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen – their most recognized feature. Females are occasionally brownish black. Most black widow spiders are 3 to 10 mm long, with females being larger than males. Black widow spiders have eight legs and eight simple eyes, including two lateral pairs that almost touch.