Comments & ID Thoughts
Black widow???
- Submitted by:
- Submitted: Oct 14, 2021
- Photographed: Oct 12, 2021
- Spider: Unidentified
- Location: South Jersey , New Jersey, United States
- Spotted Outdoors: Man-made structure (building wall, fences, etc.)
- Found in web?: Yes
- Attributes:
Because of your location I would say Latrodectus variolus (northern black widow), but the mostly full hourglass suggests L. mactans (southern black widow). Both species have quite virulent venom, with some bites resulting in severe cramping, difficulty breathing, and agony. Deaths from black widow bites are virtually nonexistent, with under ten deaths occurring worldwide (annually). It is important to note that she will only bite if startled or trapped against skin.