A Female Black Widow Spider
They are considered the most venomous spiders in north america.
A female black widow spider. Some may have a pair of red spots or have no marking at all. In the northern black widow spider latrodectus variolus the two halves of the hourglass shape may be separated into two separate patches. She typically only bites when disturbed. The female s body is 14 16 mm 1 2 in in length and is black often with an hourglass shaped red mark on the lower abdomen.
The male widow spiders often exhibit various red or red and white markings on the dorsal surface upper side of the abdomen. The pain usually lasts for eight to 12 hours. Female widow spiders are typically dark brown or a shiny black in colour when they are full grown usually exhibiting a red or orange hourglass on the ventral surface underside of the abdomen. Their body measures about 0 5 0 6 inches 12 16 millimetres.
Latrodectus hesperus the western black widow spider or western widow is a venomous spider species found in western regions of north america. Black widow spiders are arachnids that are known for the females unique appearance and tendency to eat their mates. The female black widow spider bites are considered to be a threat to humans especially the very young and very old and sick.