Black Widow Spider

Latrodectus hesperus

Black widow spiders are well known and well feared across the world. The stereotypical black body with a red hourglass shape on the abdomen has inspired many things from superhero characters to horror novels. However, although the black widow is known for its deathly venom and is the most venomous spider in North America, it in fact only causes death in humans in very, very rare cases although the venom can cause a nasty reaction.

Characteristics

Black widows are members of the ‘comb-footed’ or ‘tangles web’ spider genus. This genus does have comb like feet at the end of its spindly hind legs and also creates a web that is funnel shaped, crooked and tangled…

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