How to Identify a Black Widow Spider
Look for red markings on the spider., Check for a shiny, hairless black body., Identify the male by their smaller brown body and white markings.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Look for red markings on the spider.
Black widows are best known for the red spots on their bellies.
A black widow may have a connected red hourglass shape on the underbelly, or two triangles that don’t touch in a slight hourglass shape.
Another type of black widow has a row of reddish dots.Occasionally, the color of the markings can be yellow or orange, sometimes the hourglass shape may be a single triangle or dot. -
Step 2: Check for a shiny
Females black widows are a shiny black color.
This color will cover their legs and their belly, except for where the red spot is.The body will be hairless and smooth., Male black widows are not as dangerous as females because their bite isn’t venomous.
They look different than the female.
They are a lighter shade, generally a tan, brown, or gray color.
They have white or yellow lines on the upper side of the abdomen.Males are smaller than females, almost half the size.
Their belly is smaller and more oval shaped. -
Step 3: hairless black body.
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Step 4: Identify the male by their smaller brown body and white markings.
Detailed Guide
Black widows are best known for the red spots on their bellies.
A black widow may have a connected red hourglass shape on the underbelly, or two triangles that don’t touch in a slight hourglass shape.
Another type of black widow has a row of reddish dots.Occasionally, the color of the markings can be yellow or orange, sometimes the hourglass shape may be a single triangle or dot.
Females black widows are a shiny black color.
This color will cover their legs and their belly, except for where the red spot is.The body will be hairless and smooth., Male black widows are not as dangerous as females because their bite isn’t venomous.
They look different than the female.
They are a lighter shade, generally a tan, brown, or gray color.
They have white or yellow lines on the upper side of the abdomen.Males are smaller than females, almost half the size.
Their belly is smaller and more oval shaped.
About the Author
Betty Castillo
Creates helpful guides on cooking to inspire and educate readers.
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