Latrodectus sp.

Recognized by the red hourglass on its abdomen, the black widow is probably the most infamous spider in America. You’ll seldom see these spiders in the open, since they are nocturnal, and prefer dark, secluded places such as under stones or inside wood piles or crevices. Although their bite can make humans ill, black widows are reluctant to bite unless physically restrained. As do all spiders, black widows play an important role in nature and should be treated with respect and caution.

Cool Links:

Black widow spider - University of Arkansas Arthropod Museum Notes - Good photos, including one of an egg sac.

Black widow spider (PDF) - informative document from the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service.

Black widow comb - Electron microscope photo - not the kind of comb you use to tidy your hair, but the claw at the end of each leg used to manage their webs. From the SEM image gallery at the Museum of Science in Boston.

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