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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > INVERTEBRATES
Latrodectus hesperus
Black widow spiders are one of the most common venomous spiders in the United States. Females are readily identified by their glossy black bodies with a bright red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. Males are smaller and more drab looking, usually with grayish-brown bodies. The male spiders are usually killed and cannibalized by the females after mating, hence the "widow" part of the name.
Like all spiders, black widows are predatory animals. They capture flying insects, beetles, grasshoppers and caterpillars in their webs and then cocoon their victims in silk to immobilize them. They feed back puncturing the prey animal with their fangs and draining it of fluids.
The venom of the black widow is thought to be fifteen times more powerful than that of the western diamondback rattlesnake and can present a serious health threat to the very young, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of a bite can include an ulcer-like wound, headache, nausea and abdominal pain. Immediate medical care should be sought if a bite occurs.
Range and Habitat
Like the hobo spider, black widows are common around homes, seeking out dark, cool corners where insects are plentiful. Their webs are characteristically messy and may include large white egg sacks. The spider is widely dispersed throughout the western United States and Canada. They can be found in all areas of Oregon.
Conservation Status
Common.
Latrodectus hesperus
Black widow spiders are one of the most common venomous spiders in the United States. Females are readily identified by their glossy black bodies with a bright red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. Males are smaller and more drab looking, usually with grayish-brown bodies. The male spiders are usually killed and cannibalized by the females after mating, hence the "widow" part of the name.
Like all spiders, black widows are predatory animals. They capture flying insects, beetles, grasshoppers and caterpillars in their webs and then cocoon their victims in silk to immobilize them. They feed back puncturing the prey animal with their fangs and draining it of fluids.
The venom of the black widow is thought to be fifteen times more powerful than that of the western diamondback rattlesnake and can present a serious health threat to the very young, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of a bite can include an ulcer-like wound, headache, nausea and abdominal pain. Immediate medical care should be sought if a bite occurs.
Range and Habitat
Like the hobo spider, black widows are common around homes, seeking out dark, cool corners where insects are plentiful. Their webs are characteristically messy and may include large white egg sacks. The spider is widely dispersed throughout the western United States and Canada. They can be found in all areas of Oregon.
Conservation Status
Common.
