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)femaleOrange Co., NC14 Mar 2008In 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)female with egg sacOrange Co., NC14 Mar 2008
#2451Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)maleroadside ditch edge along pine flatwoods in Craven Co., NC21 Oct 2007Males are relatively smaller bodied and longer legged than females and, unlike females, are harmless to humans. Thanks to Cassara Scott for identification assistance.#2451Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)maleroadside ditch edge along pine flatwoods in Craven Co., NC21 Oct 2007Both 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.)femaleOrange Co., NC27 Apr 2008Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)femaleOrange Co., NC27 Apr 2008Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)femaleOrange Co., NC27 Apr 2008Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)femaleOrange Co., NC27 Apr 2008Black Widow (Latrodectus sp.)femaleOrange Co., NC27 Apr 2008Close up of face
Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus)Whaley Draw, Missoula Co., MT26 May 2016This female is guarding her egg sac.
