Black widow spiders are recognized as the most dangerous and scary spider species in North America, particularly the full-grown female spiders. These spiders are prominent for their red, hourglass-shaped markings on their abdomen. They have glossy, black body along with the different kinds of red markings on the top of their body. These markings vary depends on the spider species. There are currently five known black widow spider species in North America.

Being the most poisonous specie of spider, you may want to know more information about black widow spider. But you don’t have to go anywhere as this article includes smattering facts about black widow spider. Read on and be informed.

Quick Black Widow Spider Facts

Diet: these spiders are carnivores in nature. They mainly feed on insects.

Size: They can grow up to 38 millimeters in length with the diameter around 6.4 millimeters.

Life Expectancy: In the wild, they can live between 1 and 3 years.

More Useful Facts about Widow Spider Facts

  1. These spiders can lay more than 400 eggs at once. They are notorious for being cannibals, meaning they eat other spiders. In fact, it is believed that female eat males after mating. But the fact is this happens when she thinks that the male is her meal.
  1. It is reported that the venom of widow black’s bite is 15 times stronger than that of the rattlesnake. Their bites can be lethal particularly to elderly, weak or children. For some, they may experience nausea, diaphragm paralysis and muscle aches after being bitten. However, they are not very violent and aggressive. They just bite to defend themselves against potential enemy.
  1. Black widow spider’s silk is considered as the strongest among all spider’s silk. They are not spinning pretty webs though, rather they create cobweb intended for catching flies, moths, grasshoppers, beetles and spiders.
  1. Although black widow spiders are quite frightening, they also have natural foes. These include praying mantis, wasps and birds.

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