Black Widow Spider

Black widow spider is a common name for several venomous spiders in the genus Latrodectus, best known for the female’s shiny black body and red hourglass marking.

Black widow spider is a common name for several venomous spiders in the genus Latrodectus, best known for the female’s shiny black body and red hourglass marking. These spiders occur in temperate regions around the world, and their bites can cause significant pain and other symptoms, though serious outcomes are uncommon in healthy adults. The name refers to the idea that the female may eat the male after mating, although this behaviour is uncommon in nature.

Taxonomy and naming

Black widow spider is a common name applied to several species in the genus Latrodectus. The term “widow” comes from the female’s occasional post-mating cannibalism, which helped inspire the name.

Identification

Black widows are typically glossy black, with females showing a red hourglass-shaped mark on the underside of the abdomen. Males are generally smaller and often lighter in colour, sometimes with red or pink markings.

Venom and medical significance

Black widow venom is neurotoxic and can cause pain, muscle cramping, sweating, nausea, and other symptoms. Bites are usually not fatal, but they can be medically significant and should be taken seriously.

Distribution and habitat

Widow spiders occur in temperate regions around the world. In North America, multiple species are commonly called black widows, including western, northern, and southern black widows.