Size
3/4”
Color
Black or brown
Description
The female Black Widow Spider is a shiny black spider while the male is brown and smaller than the female. Some adult females have a red hourglass shape on the underbelly while others have red dots and some have no marking at all. If the male has a marking on its underbelly it will be yellow or white. The Black Widow Spider’s web is usually easy to identify. Unlike the symmetrical webs spiders are known for, the Black Widow’s sticky web appears as a twisted jumble of strands.
The adult male’s bite is not usually dangerous to humans, but a bite from the adult female is and needs to be treated right away.
Control Advice
Avoid bites by wearing heavy gloves while working outdoors or in basements or other dark places. Vigorously shake shoes before putting them on.
Active Seasons
The Black Widow Spider is most active in spring, summer and fall.