Black Widow Spider
Physical Features
Black widows have eight legs and two body parts like all spiders. They have specific markings used for identification, but these markings vary and can make identifying difficult. Females are 1/2 inch long, shiny black with a red hourglass shaped marking on a round abdomen. Males are black with red spots and white lines going out to the side. They are half the size of the female. Spiderlings are orange and white in color turning blacker with each molt.
Life Cycle
Gradual metamorphosis
The mating process begins in the spring or summer. The female can devour males after they mate, but this is not as common as the spider’s name suggests. Males often stick around the web after mating to feed on prey caught in the female’s web. Female lays 25 to 250 eggs in a white, silken case suspended from the web. Spiderlings hatch inside case, but don’t emerge until after their first molt around 4 weeks later. Female guards the egg case until spiderlings come out. Spiderlings leave the web through a process called ballooning. They release a tiny thread caught by air currents. It takes 2-4 months until mature. Females live 1-3 years. Males live 1 year.
Habits
- Diet: Insects\
- Activity: Nocturnal
- Preferred Climate: Temperate climate
- Defense: Web. Females bite if disturbed. Males do not bite. They bite their prey releasing a neurotoxin, paralyzing their prey so they can suck their prey’s fluids.
- Cautions: Black widow bites are painful resulting in localized pain, severe cramping, nausea, sweating, fever, etc. A physician should be consulted if bitten since reactions vary due to person and amount of venom introduced.
- Home Invasion: Black widows enter a home in search of shelter. They live in solitary. Normally found in sheds and garages or other areas that are darker and less trafficked.
Helpful Hints for Control
- Remove debris around the home that black widows may inhabit.
- Wear gloves when working in areas that black widows may be residing.
- Recommend regular pest control service plan.
Interesting Fact
Contrary to popular belief, the female black widow does not always kill her partner after mating.
Symptoms
Initial sensation is very painful. Pain, cramping and rigidity may appear in the shoulders, back, chest or abdomen. Other manifestations may include nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety and hypertension.
