The black widow spider is considered as one of the most venomous
spiders in North America. There is also a European variety around the
Mediterranean and Corsica, and other species are found in Australia,
South America, and a few other places. It is relatively well distributed
around the world.
Adult, a black widow spider is black and shiny, with two red triangles joined in form of 8 on the abdomen. A female is from 8 to 14 mm not including legs, with legs it is about 20 to 30 mm. Adult males are only half the size of a female, they do not have the distinguishing red hourglass shape, but they sport red and yellow spots on the side of the abdomen.
It is called a black widow because of its habit to eat the male after copulation.
The habitat for this spider is preferably in a warmer climate, but it is not limited to hot areas only. They make a very strong web with a crisscross pattern of silk that make it a deadly trap for any insect who dares to land on it. Usually webs will be found outside in darker areas under bushes or near sheds, but they can also do so in a house or a garage when colder weather arrives.
It is an extremely venomous spider, its venom is 15 times more powerful than that of a rattlesnake. Its venom is dangerous to humans. While few humans die from a spider bite, because only a small amount of venom is injected, a human bitten by a black widow spider can spend a few days in excruciating pain. It is undoubtedly necessary to consult a doctor in case of a spider bite, and it would be preferable to catch the spider if possible in order to have it identified properly.
The black widow spider
is exclusively insectivore / carnivore, but man is not included on its
menu by default . It will normally feed on insects that it traps in its
web, but it can also feed on wood lice and other spiders. When a prey is
caught into the web, the widow gets out of it hiding spot, and rushes
to the victim, it surrounds it with its silk thread while holding it
firmly and poisoning it. When the victim does not move anymore, it
inject digestive enzymes in the wounds of the prey. The black widow spider then takes its treasure back to its hiding place to eat it.
