Black Widow
Black Widow Facts
Size | 0.2-0.6 inches (7.5-16 mm) |
Speed | Unknown |
Weight | Unknown |
Lifespan | Up to 3 years |
Food | Arthropods, insects |
Predators | Wasps, birds, small rodents, reptiles |
Distribution | Europe, America, Asia, Africa, Australia |
Habitat | Dry, warm, open areas |
Order | Araneae |
Class | Cobweb Spiders |
Order | Arachnids |
Scientific name | Latrodectus tredecimguttatus |
Characteristics | Venomous, black cobweb spider with red spots |
Main Characteristics
The black widow is a cobweb spider that kills its prey with venom. A bite is not entirely harmless for humans either. Its most eye-catching features are its black, ball-shaped body with red markings on it. It is famous for eating the male after mating.
Species
There are over 20 species of widow spiders. Most have red hourglass-shaped markings. However, there are also species that have large red spots. In America, the southern, western and northern black widows are the most common. The European black widow is most common in Europe and Africa. It's also showing up occasionally in Germany now.
Distribution and Habitat
The European black widow prefers dry, warm and open areas with few plants - for example barren grasslands, dunes, sandy and scree beaches. It's most common in the Mediterranean region, but also lives in Ukraine, Caucasus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Central Asia and China. In America, the northern, southern and western black widow, according to their name, inhabit areas throughout North America. They also live in barren, desolate landscapes, although the southern black widow can also be found in rainforests. There are also some species in Australia and South America.
Life Style
The black widow is a nocturnal animal that lives an solitary life. It spends most of its time on the ground and spins its web in medium-height grass or on overhanging rocks. They are most commonly seen between May and November.
Anatomy and Appearance
Size and Weight
The female black widow has a body length of 0.2-0.6 inches (7.5-16 mm) and a wingspan of 0.9-1.4 inches (25-35 mm). The males are less than half as big. They are only 0.09-0.25 inches (2.5-6.5 mm) long.
Body
The female black widow has a ball-shaped abdomen, while the males have a more elongated body. Both have long legs, although the males' legs are significantly longer compared to their bodies.
Color
All species of black widows have two things in common: The females are black and have red markings on their bodies, mostly in the shape of an hourglass. However, in some species it can also be missing. The males are more dark brown.
Diet
Black widows are carnivores. They feed primarily on arthropods, beetles, crickets, cicadas, grasshoppers and other spiders. The southern and western black widows even manage to kill small mice.
Behavior
Net-Building
Black widows use their silk to weave webs that look very irregular and chaotic. In fact, every single thread is planned and not a coincidence. There are sticky catching threads, supporting threads and tangled threads. The nets are almost always located near the ground, preferably in dark places. The diameter is 15-60 cm.
Hunting Strategy
Black widows are stalkers. They spin a web and hang upside down waiting for prey to get caught in the sticky threads. The spider then quickly approaches, paralyzes its prey with its venom and wraps it in silk.
Are Black Widows Aggressive?
Black widows look aggressive, but are rather peaceful and shy. When threatened, they flee to a dark corner. However, when they feel trapped and see no escape, they bite.
Are Black Widows Dangerous?
For People
Black widows target small insects and arthropods, but they can also be dangerous to us humans. Especially the females. They have the most venom. Fortunately, human deaths are very rare and are usually related to an allergy to the venom. However, you should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have been bitten by a black widow.
For Pets
Pets like dogs and cats can face serious risks from bites since they're much smaller and lighter than us. In humans, the venom spreads over a larger body mass, making it less dangerous.
How Do You Get Rid of Black Widows?
Black widows dislike the smell of lime, eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree oil. Anyone who sprays these scents or works with cleaning products that contain these scents can keep the spiders away naturally.
Venom
The black widow has a powerful venom called latrotoxin. It can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, vomiting, high blood pressure and sweating. Discomfort occurs 20 minutes to two hours after the bite and can last up to a week.
Senses and Abilities
Senses
Black widows have a very poor sense of vision, but they have an excellent sense of touch. They perceive prey and enemies primarily through vibrations on their web or on the ground. They also have a good sense of smell.
Life Expectancy
Female European black widows live up to 300 days. The males live about 180 days. Female southern black widows can live up to three years.
Enemies and Threats
The natural enemies of the black widow are primarily wasps, birds, small rodents and reptiles.
Importance for the Ecosystem
Black widows play a crucial role in nature's balance. They might have a bad reputation for being venomous, but they're actually beneficial. They help control the population of pests that can harm vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.
Reproduction
After mating, black widows lay up to 100-250 eggs in a white to yellowish egg cocoon. The young animals hatch after around 30-50 days. Once they leave the cocoon, they are on their own. It is said that the black widow eats the male after mating, but in reality this happens very rarely.
Fun Facts
Color
There are also brown widows and white widows.
Confusion with the False Black Widow
The European black widow is often confused with other spiders that look similar to it. For example with the false black widow - whose venom is much weaker.
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