Meet the Latrodectus spiders, often known as true widows! They’re part of the cobweb spider family. By July 2017, there were 31 types of them, living everywhere except Antarctica. Some, like the northern black widow, western black widow, and southern black widow are even in the U.S. and southern Canada. Stick around for cool facts about these spiders!
Latrodectus antheratus | Latrodectus apicalis | Red Widow (Latrodectus bishopi) |
Latrodectus cinctus | Latrodectus corallinus | Latrodectus curacaviensis |
Latrodectus dahli | Latrodectus diaguita | Latrodectus elegans |
Latrodectus erythromelas | Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) | Latrodectus hasselti |
Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) | Latrodectus hystrix | Latrodectus indistinctus |
Latrodectus karrooensis | Latrodectus katipo | Latrodectus lilianae |
Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans) | Latrodectus menavodi | Latrodectus mirabilis |
Latrodectus obscurior | White Widow (Latrodectus pallidus) | Latrodectus quartus |
Latrodectus renivulvatus | Latrodectus revivensis | Latrodectus rhodesiensis |
Latrodectus thoracicus | Latrodectus tredecimguttatus | Latrodectus variegatus |
Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus) | Latrodectus corallines |
The eggs remain wrapped in a pear-shaped or spherical or spherical silken sac.
The juveniles mostly resemble the males in terms of their color patterns.
They have an irregular, messy, sticky, tangled web and remain hanging in an upside-down posture in a bid to capture their prey. Their eyesight is poor, and they mostly rely on vibrations that they would sense through their webs.
Yes, Widow spiders are venomous. Their venom can be strong and affect humans if bitten. Of all the species belonging to this genus, the black widow is the most dangerous since their venom has a substance named latrotoxin, which can cause severe symptoms.
Widow spiders can bite, especially if they feel threatened. Their bite can be uncomfortable, so it’s best to be careful around them.
Latrodectus spiders play a significant role in controlling the population of small insects, contributing to the ecological balance. They exhibit solitary behavior and are known for their remarkable web-spinning skills, creating intricate and sticky webs for prey capture. Their venom, while potent, is a crucial tool for subduing prey, ensuring their survival in their respective habitats.
Natural Predator & Prey-Predator Dynamics: Birds, wasps, and certain fly species are known natural predators of Latrodectus spiders, creating a dynamic balance in the ecosystem. The spiders’ venomous bite and agility play a crucial role in their survival, aiding them in capturing prey while evading predators.
Relationship with Humans: While their venomous nature can pose risks to humans, incidents of Latrodectus spider bites are relatively rare, and with proper medical attention, severe consequences are preventable. Awareness and caution are advised when in areas where these spiders may reside, fostering a coexistent relationship between humans and these fascinating arachnids.
Lifespan | Approximately 1 to 3 years |
Distribution | Parts of Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa |
Habitat | Dark, desolate places like rock and woodpiles, fallen branches, as well as outhouses, basements, garages, and sheds. |
Predators | Wasps, flies, and birds |
Diet | Small insects |
In conclusion, the Latrodectus spiders, with their striking appearance, venomous nature, and intricate webs, stand as one of the most fascinating members of the spider world.
Meet the Latrodectus spiders, often known as true widows! They’re part of the cobweb spider family. By July 2017, there were 31 types of them, living everywhere except Antarctica. Some, like the northern black widow, western black widow, and southern black widow are even in the U.S. and southern Canada. Stick around for cool facts about these spiders!
Latrodectus antheratus | Latrodectus apicalis | Red Widow (Latrodectus bishopi) |
Latrodectus cinctus | Latrodectus corallinus | Latrodectus curacaviensis |
Latrodectus dahli | Latrodectus diaguita | Latrodectus elegans |
Latrodectus erythromelas | Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) | Latrodectus hasselti |
Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) | Latrodectus hystrix | Latrodectus indistinctus |
Latrodectus karrooensis | Latrodectus katipo | Latrodectus lilianae |
Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans) | Latrodectus menavodi | Latrodectus mirabilis |
Latrodectus obscurior | White Widow (Latrodectus pallidus) | Latrodectus quartus |
Latrodectus renivulvatus | Latrodectus revivensis | Latrodectus rhodesiensis |
Latrodectus thoracicus | Latrodectus tredecimguttatus | Latrodectus variegatus |
Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus) | Latrodectus corallines |
The eggs remain wrapped in a pear-shaped or spherical or spherical silken sac.
The juveniles mostly resemble the males in terms of their color patterns.
They have an irregular, messy, sticky, tangled web and remain hanging in an upside-down posture in a bid to capture their prey. Their eyesight is poor, and they mostly rely on vibrations that they would sense through their webs.
Yes, Widow spiders are venomous. Their venom can be strong and affect humans if bitten. Of all the species belonging to this genus, the black widow is the most dangerous since their venom has a substance named latrotoxin, which can cause severe symptoms.
Widow spiders can bite, especially if they feel threatened. Their bite can be uncomfortable, so it’s best to be careful around them.
Latrodectus spiders play a significant role in controlling the population of small insects, contributing to the ecological balance. They exhibit solitary behavior and are known for their remarkable web-spinning skills, creating intricate and sticky webs for prey capture. Their venom, while potent, is a crucial tool for subduing prey, ensuring their survival in their respective habitats.
Natural Predator & Prey-Predator Dynamics: Birds, wasps, and certain fly species are known natural predators of Latrodectus spiders, creating a dynamic balance in the ecosystem. The spiders’ venomous bite and agility play a crucial role in their survival, aiding them in capturing prey while evading predators.
Relationship with Humans: While their venomous nature can pose risks to humans, incidents of Latrodectus spider bites are relatively rare, and with proper medical attention, severe consequences are preventable. Awareness and caution are advised when in areas where these spiders may reside, fostering a coexistent relationship between humans and these fascinating arachnids.
Lifespan | Approximately 1 to 3 years |
Distribution | Parts of Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa |
Habitat | Dark, desolate places like rock and woodpiles, fallen branches, as well as outhouses, basements, garages, and sheds. |
Predators | Wasps, flies, and birds |
Diet | Small insects |
In conclusion, the Latrodectus spiders, with their striking appearance, venomous nature, and intricate webs, stand as one of the most fascinating members of the spider world.