Black Widows (Latrodectus spp.)

by Jeffrey S. Pippen | Back to Jeff's Spiders Page | Jeff's Nature Pages


Highly venomous, there are a few widow species in North Carolina. They usually build messy-looking webs under logs, in stump-holes, low bushes, etc., and occasionally will get in backyard log piles, crawl spaces and garages. Fortunately, however, they are not aggressive spiders and would rather retreat than attack.
Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus) Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)
female
Orange Co., NC
14 Mar 2008

In the NC piedmont, there are two species of black widow spiders, which are best distinguised by the shape of the hourglass on the underside of the abdomen. However, one may not always want to turn the spider over to inspect this mark!

In addition to the famous hourglass mark under the abdomen, young adults often also have red markings on the upperside of the abdomen, like this individual.

Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus) Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)
female with egg sac
Orange Co., NC
14 Mar 2008


Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.) #2451
Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)
male
roadside ditch edge along pine flatwoods in Craven Co., NC
21 Oct 2007

Males are relatively smaller bodied and longer legged than females and, unlike females, are harmless to humans. Thanks to Cassara Scott for identification assistance.

Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.) #2451
Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)
male
roadside ditch edge along pine flatwoods in Craven Co., NC
21 Oct 2007

Both Northern Black Widow (L. variolus) and Southern Black Widow (L. mactans) occur in North Carolina. I'm not sure which species this is.


Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.) Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)
female
Orange Co., NC
27 Apr 2008

Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.) Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)
female
Orange Co., NC
27 Apr 2008

Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.) Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)
female
Orange Co., NC
27 Apr 2008

Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.) Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)
female
Orange Co., NC
27 Apr 2008

Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.) Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)
female
Orange Co., NC
27 Apr 2008

Close up of face


Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus)
Whaley Draw, Missoula Co., MT
26 May 2016

This female is guarding her egg sac.


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Created on ... Jan 15, 2008 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com