How can you tell a male black widow spider?
The females are approximately the size of the tip of your finger and are easily identified by their distinctive, dark black bodies and red, hourglass shaped marking on the ventral side of the abdomen. Male black widow spiders are about one third the size of the females and light brown in color.
Are there any black widow spiders in Massachusetts?
Only the female spider is a danger to humans. Black widows may be found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and the southern parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. However, true black widow spider sightings or bites are uncommon in New England. If a black widow spider bites, do not panic!
Are male black widow spiders dangerous?
The black widow spider is considered the most venomous spider in North America. Only the female black widow is dangerous to humans; males and juveniles are harmless. The female black widow will, on occasion, kill and eat the male after mating. More than 35,000 species of spiders occur worldwide.
How big is a male black widow spider?
Their body measures about 0.5 – 0.6 inches (12 – 16 millimetres). Male black widow spiders are half the size of the female or even smaller. They have longer legs and a smaller abdomen in relation to their body size. They are also usually dark brown with varying colours of stripes or dots, with no hourglass mark.
Does a male black widow have an hourglass?
Adult male black widows are a quarter the size of the female, and are usually gray or brown rather than black and red; while they may sometimes have an hourglass marking on their abdomen, it is usually yellow or white, not red.
What color are male black widows?
Female black widows are shiny black, with a red-orange hourglass pattern on their abdomen. Male black widows are not black, but brown or gray with small red spots. Black widows are poisonous arachnids—animals that have a skeleton outside their body, a segmented body, and eight jointed legs.
What if I find a black widow in my house?
If you have a feeling you’re dealing with black widow spiders, call for professional help right away. This is the safest way to deal with them. The most effective way to control them is with a combination of chemical and non-chemical measures. Contact All-Rite Pest Control to deal with any spider problems in your home.
Where do black widows nest?
Black widows build their nests in crevices, by doors and vents, or in other places that might also be attractive to other insects. Easy access to a meal is key. The spiders are nocturnal and hide in their nests during the day. At night, black widows will prowl their webs, looking for food.
What a black widow looks like?
What do black widow spiders look like? Black widow spiders have round bodies and are shiny black in color. They are easily recognized by the distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomens. They may also have lighter red or white spots on their abdomens and backs.