Latrodectus geometricus
(Brown Widow Spider)

Picture ID 55576

Comments & ID Thoughts

I have no idea. I was cleaning a

Submitted by:
stephenr
Submitted: Mar 31, 2019
Photographed: Mar 31, 2019
Spider: Latrodectus geometricus (Brown Widow Spider)
Location: Midrand, South Africa
Spotted Outdoors: Man-made structure (building wall, fences, etc.)
Found in web?: Yes
Attributes: Dorsal

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StephenR

Photo Owner

March 31, 2019 5:14 am

Ok, submission happened before I finished. I was cleaning a black domestic bin when I picked it up using the molded handles. I felt a strong web and upended the bin, finding my friend above. I always try to release spiders instead of killing them and I thought I’d look online to educate myself. I have no knowledge of spiders so would appreciate help from the community. Thanks.

ItsyBitsy

Moderator

March 31, 2019 8:41 am

Hi, this is a Brown Widow, Latrodectus geometricus.

StephenR

Photo Owner

Reply to ItsyBitsy

March 31, 2019 9:17 am

Thank you! I looked it up and I now realise I removed 3 of its eggs and put them into a tree. Will they survive without the spider?

ItsyBitsy

Moderator

Reply to StephenR

March 31, 2019 9:05 pm

Possibly.

StephenR

Photo Owner

Reply to ItsyBitsy

April 1, 2019 12:31 am

I can move them again if you suggest a better spot for them. Unfortunately, she chose the dustbin handle as a good spot.

TangledWeb

Moderator

Reply to StephenR

April 1, 2019 2:32 am

Thank you for your concern for the spiders. Cobweaver spiders, such as brown widows, prefer dark enclosed places. They have poor vision and use chemoreception and sense of touch to navigate. They like to be in cabinets, under furniture (like yours), in compost bins and any dark moist safe place where there are crawling insects and other arachnids to eat.