Appearance:

Female is 1/2 inch long; shiny black, with hourglass- shape read mark on underside of abdomen.

Habits:

Can be found almost anywhere, indoors or out; prefer to build their nests close to the ground.

Diet:

Insects trapped in web made by female.

Reproduction:

Contrary to popular belief, female is usually unsuccessful in any attempt to eat male after mating; 300 - 400 eggs are laid in silken cocoon, hatch in about 10 days.

Other Info:

Black Widows are not aggressive, and will not bite unless provoked. However, they are poisonous. If bitten, seek medical attention; bites are rarely fatal.

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Appearance:

Yellowish to brown, with a dark brown violin-shaped dorsal marking; 5/8 to 1 inch long.

Habits:

Can be found outside under rocks, leaves, debris, bark, wood piles; found inside in storage areas such as closets, attics; usually found close to the ground.

Diet:

Cockroaches, crickets and other soft bodied insects.

Reproduction:

Mating occurs from February to October; 40 - 50 eggs are deposited in off-white, round silken cases; lifetime averages from 1 - 2 years.

Other Info:

Bite is poisonous, but rarely fatal; neglected bites can cause a disfiguring scar; presence of shed skins indicates infestation.