Black Widows... and a few more (7 Images)

Black widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.) are notorious for their venomous bite and distinctive appearance. Recognizable by their glossy black bodies and the iconic red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomens, these spiders are found in temperate regions worldwide, often in dark, sheltered areas like woodpiles, sheds, and under rocks. Despite their fearsome reputation, black widows are generally non-aggressive and bite only in self-defense. Their venom contains neurotoxins that can cause muscle pain, cramps, and other symptoms in humans, though fatalities are extremely rare due to modern medical treatments. Female black widows are significantly larger than males and sometimes consume their mates after reproduction, a behavior that contributes to their infamous name.