This spider is named the black widow (black widow) because of its deadly love ritual (making the male spider die after intercourse), and is a type of venomous spider that is spread all over the world. The easiest way to identify a black widow is by its glossy black color, with the characteristic dark red markings on the female spider's abdomen. However, juvenile and male black widows are a little difficult to spot because they remain a dull brown color throughout their lives. With a little practice, you will be able to safely and correctly identify the black widow, which can prevent you from experiencing the severe discomfort and potential illness associated with its bite.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Recognizing Body Colors and Marks
Step 1. Look for red markings on the female spider's body
The female black widow is famous for having red markings on her belly. These spiders may have markings such as a red hourglass that are connected to each other, or two triangles that do not touch each other, with an hourglass-like shape.
- One type of black widow has a series of reddish spots, not the hourglass shape as people know it.
- This spider has many color variations. The markings on his body are sometimes brown, yellow, or orange. In addition, the shape of the hourglass is sometimes only a triangle or a dot.
Step 2. Observe if the body is glossy black and hairless
The female black widow is hairless and glossy black. This color covers the legs and belly, except where the triangle is. The body is smooth and hairless.
Step 3. Examine the brown and white colors of the male and juvenile black widows
Male and juvenile black widows (both male and female) have smaller bodies with brown and white markings. Both look different when compared to adult female spiders because they are lighter in color, namely tan, brown, or gray. Unlike the red hourglass of female spiders, male and juvenile black widows have a yellow or white stripe on the top of their abdomen.
- Male spiders are smaller than females, almost half their body size.
- The male black widow's abdomen is smaller and has a more oval shape
- Male spiders are not as dangerous as female black widows because their bites are not venomous.
Method 2 of 4: Recognizing Physical Traits
Step 1. Check the hair on the legs
This spider has 8 legs, which stick out from the chest. The hind legs are covered with feathers, which are used to wrap prey with silk fibers.
Step 2. Observe the long legs
Black widows have long legs compared to their body size. The longest parts are the front legs, and the shortest are the legs in the third row.
Female spiders have black legs, while young females and males have brown legs
Step 3. Check the size
The black widow spider is relatively small. Female black widows are usually about 4 cm long, including the legs. Its body is about 1.5 cm long.
Male spiders are much smaller, about 2 cm long, including the legs
Step 4. Notice the round belly
The black widow has a plump, round belly that is attached directly to the thorax, behind the hind legs. The belly is the same color as the head. The black widow's special mark is in this part (stomach).
The male black widow has a smaller belly than the female spider
Method 3 of 4: Observing Cobwebs
Step 1. Find the irregular shape of the net
Black widow webs generally have an irregular shape. The fibers are strong and appear thicker than other spider webs. The web looks wrinkled, although it's actually made with great care and precision. Black widow webs are usually about 30 cm in diameter.
Step 2. Look for the net in a dark, dry area
If you see a spider web in an open area that gets sunlight or rain, it's most likely not a black widow's web. These spiders usually like to live in dark and dry hiding places.
Black widows tend to live in areas near the ground so nets at high altitudes are not likely to be black widows
Step 3. Look for the spider hanging upside down
Black widows have a unique way of resting in their webs. At night, most of its time is spent hanging in its net upside down, waiting to catch its prey. During the day, these spiders usually hide.
When the black widow hangs upside down in the net, you will most likely be able to see the red markings on her belly
Method 4 of 4: Act Safe
Step 1. Be aware of the presence of the black widow in a closed dark area
These spiders usually like to be alone who live in dark and quiet locations. This includes shared corners of the room and areas in the basement, warehouse, attic, and outdoors. You can also find them in piles of wood, under porches and rocks, in garbage heaps, in gardens, and even in shoes placed outside.
Whenever you are in an area known to be home to a black widow, be careful and look carefully at the area before you head into a dark corner of a room or put your hands or feet into an enclosed area
Step 2. Protect yourself
Wear protective clothing if you have to be in an area where there is a known black widow. Wear gloves, long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. This will minimize the risk of being bitten by a spider.
Also apply an insect repellent product, (such as DEET or Picaridin) to the clothes. This is useful so that the spider does not approach you
Step 3. Call a pest control service
If there is a black widow in the house, never approach, interact with, or try to kill her yourself as you could be bitten. It's a good idea to contact a pest control service, who can design the right way to get rid of the spider.
Step 4. Provide treatment if you are bitten
A black widow's bite can cause muscle stiffness, nausea and vomiting, trouble breathing, sweating, swelling, itching, weakness, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can appear within 8 hours after being bitten.
- Get medical help immediately.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water, then apply a cold washcloth. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol. Elevate the limb to prevent swelling.
- If your child is bitten, take him to the hospital as soon as possible.
Tips
The black widow is not an aggressive animal. Although the bite is dangerous, it is very unlikely that you will be bitten. Even so, your pet is at risk for defensive bites from these spiders. So, make sure there is no black widow living in your home
Warning
- Be careful when trying to identify a spider. Don't get too close to a spider and fail to notice that it's venomous. To keep you at a safe distance, use a magnifying glass or a camera that can be used to enlarge the image. This is the ideal way to observe the spider in detail from a safe distance. Some species of spider can turn out to be very aggressive, and chase after you with little or no provocation.
- By definition, all spiders are venomous animals. However, only certain species are truly medically toxic.
- Regardless of age and health condition, go to the hospital as soon as possible if bitten by this spider. While the common belief that a black widow's bite can cause death is incorrect, its bite can cause severe pain, nausea, and difficulty breathing. In addition, a black widow's bite can be fatal if it occurs in young children, the elderly, or people who are sick. Black widow bites sometimes go unnoticed until symptoms appear. This is because the bite is not too painful.
