SOUTHERN BLACK WIDOW
SPECIES: Latrodectus mactans
STATUS: Least Concern
HABITAT: Woodpiles, hollow stumps, rock piles, outbuildings, sheds, attics, and basements.
DIET: Insects
GENERAL: The female Southern Black Widow is easily identifiable by her shiny black color with the red hourglass on the underside of her body. The male is less distinguishable with his lighter color with red to pinkish spots on his back.
The Southern Black Widow’s venom is potent but only the females is dangerous to humans and despite this the bite rarely causes death or produces any serious complications.
Photo attributed to: Beth West
