Latrodectus is a broadly distributed genus of spiders with several species that are commonly known as the true widows. This group is composed of those often loosely called black widow spiders, brown widow spiders, and similar spiders. [3][4][5][6] However, the diversity of …

Feb 12, 2025 · A black widow is any of about 30 species of black spiders distinguished by an hourglass-shaped marking on the abdomen. Black widows are found throughout much of the world. Although their venomous bite often produces muscle pain, nausea, and mild paralysis of the diaphragm, it is rarely fatal.

Currently, there are three recognized species of black widow found in North America: The southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans), the northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) and the western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus). Female black widow spiders are shiny black when full grown.

There are three common black widow spider species in the USA, known as southern (Latrodectus mactans), western (Latrodectus hesperus), and northern (Latrodectus variolus) widows. The most common species in Asia and Australia is called the redback (Latrodectus hasselti).

Latrodectus mactans, known as southern black widow or simply black widow, and the shoe-button spider, [citation needed] is a venomous species of spider in the genus Latrodectus. The females are well known for their distinctive black and red coloring and for the fact that they will occasionally eat their mates after reproduction.

Aug 16, 2021 · Latrodectus breaks down taxonomically into approximately 31 recognized species, five (5) of which are found in the United States; four (4) species are native, one (1) species (L. geometricus) was introduced.

There are 31 known species of widow spiders, and different species can be found in different regions worldwide. They inhabit every continent on Earth except Antarctica. Black widows prey on a number of different insects. Their most commonly captured prey include mosquitos, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, and beetles.

Dec 7, 2021 · Black widow spiders are several species of arachnids in the genus Latrodectus that are known for the females' unique and striking appearance as well as their rumored tendency to eat their...

These spiders can be found worldwide with five species established in the United States and are most recognized for the red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen.