Description
Classification & Scientific Name
Biomes
Behavior
Evolution
Research
Latrodectus, mactans
- Size
- The black widow spider is 1/2" long 1 1/2" long including appendages. Its diameter is 1/4".
- Color
- This spider is shiny black. The females have a red hourglass symbol on their abdomen. On the males the hourglass is replaced with a series of three red lines.
- Habitat
- These spiders can be found in woodpiles, under the eaves of houses, in dark boxes or meter boxes, and any dark and sheltered place.
- Diet
- Black Widow spiders are carnivorous. They eat insects and are known to be cannibalistic.
- Life Span
- Females live on average for 271 days, the males life is shorter, 101 days.
- Biomes
- Rain forests, grasslands, deserts, temperate forests, and chaparral.
- Other
- The Black Widow Spider reliese on its sense of touch, its eyes are useless and it has no ears.