Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)

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Photo by GregMayberry

Published on Project Noah

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34.4125, -96.5421

Field Notes

Description:

Small glossy black spider with red marking on dorsal and ventral surfaces. Marking on ventral abdomen is usually in the shape of an hourglass.

Habitat:

The black widow spider prefers dark, undisturbed areas such as deep insider closets or garage corners. This individual was found under the toilet lid of a long-abandoned campsite.

Notes:

The black widow is one of two spiders of medical significance in Oklahoma. Its venom is neurotoxic, though rarely fatal.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (22)

Joseph R. Godreau

Great Shot!

KarenL

Congrats Greg, your spotting has been featured in the Project Noah Valentine's Day blog! http://blog.projectnoah.org/post/43082888773/love-in-the-wild

LeanneGardner

Fantastic picture!

alina

What a great picture! So sharp & clear.. the spider almost looks like its made of plastic.

MayraSpringmann

Stunning picture!!

MaryEvans2

stunning photos

VivysBarFre

Bella !!Linda!!Wonderfull!

rutasandinas

Fantastico!!! gran imagen

KarlaVelardez

That one is cool :) I was bit by one in the third grade and almost died. :(

Steve A

Such a clear photo. They are so like the Aussie redback (to which they are related) http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6704046 - but the "black widow" name alone sends chills down the spine!

LatrodectusMactan

ow..its me..hehe..same name..

Fantastic!

Amazing pictures!

superb spotting!

Thanks for your story Laura and your pictures grmayberry

pamsai

fabulous photo, you can see every little hair!

smutnee80

What a great photo!!

LauraMaria

When I was a kid, the local natural history museum had a collection of live animals, including a black widow tank, which they'd put a toilet seat in. They said that black widows loved using toilet seats to make webs, and for years after, even though we lived too far north in Canada to get them, I always checked under the toilet seat for any rogues! I laughed a little when you said you found this guy under a toilet seat :) Beautiful picture, well done on getting that close haha!

Ashish

Great spotting..

Pino

Extremely attractive and deadly !

EdwardNathanReulbachJr.

Gorgeous creatures they are ........ and a great picture!

KarenL

Wow, lovely spot!