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Brown Widow Spider

Latrodectus geometricus

Published on Project Noah
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33.1468, -117.009

Field Notes

Description:

Brown spider with white and black markings on abdomen that appear as 4-5 pairs of angry eyes serving as a warning. There is a faint hourglass on the underside of the abdomen on the last image. The adult Brown Widow can be seen at http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8284715

Habitat:

On a Philodendron leaf and chain link fence in the backyard under a Pepper tree.

Notes:

Aka Geometric button spider, Brown button spider, Gray widow spider.
This spotting was confirmed on BugGuide (see reference link).

Reference Links:

Latrodectus geometricus, Species Latrodectus geometricus - Brown Widow - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (10)
CindyBinghamKeiser
I think so too. This is the first time I saw one and have been a fan every since... from a distance :)
CindyBinghamKeiser
Thank you Mick and Gina! I've spotted 4 more since this one so they're apparently common in my yard :)
Gina9210
The last photo gives him away it has a prominent "hourglass" marking on the underside of the abdomen. Really cool, very exciting for me coz its my firs time to see them. Thanks, its very useful on my studies.
MickGrant
Good shot - have only experienced the black widows!
CindyBinghamKeiser
Someone (on facebook) just suggested this is a juvenile widow! Looking at the last photo, it looks like an hourglass. Yikes!
Nicholas4
It's looking at you all frowned up! Great mimic of a larger animal.. real nice photo
CindyBinghamKeiser
Thank you courtney83. I hadn't either until today. It was pretty small and I didn't notice the pattern until I looked at the photo's. I had to go back and shoot a couple more!
courtneyhitson
I've never seen a spider like that. Interesting!! Great pictures!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
International Spider Survey
Mission
Southern California Wildlife
Mission
Mimetic Animals of the World
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project
Mission
The Bug Chicks Sofa Safari

Tags

Photographed
PublishedAugust 10, 2011

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