Black Widow Spider Facts & Information

Black widow spiders are typically black with two reddish triangular markings usually joined to form a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen – their most recognized feature. Females are occasionally brownish black. Most black widow spiders are 3 to 10 mm long, with females being larger than males. Black widow spiders have eight legs and eight simple eyes, including two lateral pairs that almost touch.

Young black widow spiders are primarily orange and white and acquire more black color as they mature. They have markings that are very similar to male adults – with one or two reddish markings on the underneath side of abdomen. One of the most obvious signs of almost any spider infestation is the presence of webs. Black widow spiders usually construct messy and irregular webs located near ground level. Finding a silken sac – which holds eggs – in the doorway is another sign that a spider infestation is underway. If you see any of these signs, professional black widow spider extermination services may be necessary. Most black widows take nearly a year to grow from egg to adult. They overwinter as immature individuals, develop into adults in the spring and die in late July. Female black widows have been known to consume male black widows once mating is complete, but contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t happen 100 percent of the time.

Not the spider you have?