Black Widow Spider

Photo of a black widow spider.

Source: U.S. National Park Service. Available online: http://www.nps.gov

Black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) are found throughout the United States. Female black widows are long-legged, shiny, coal-black spiders with an orange, red, or yellow hourglass shape on their underside. Female black widows are usually about 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) across but may be smaller.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerH. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last RevisedOctober 15, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 15, 2011
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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