Is this a black widow spider?

[siz3petite]

I found this spider right by my door as I opened it. In fact, I got its long web across my face. Ewww!! I'm not sure, but it looks like a black or red widow spider. You can see the red markings on it's body. It is about 3/4 inch measuring the span of the back and front legs. The body is just about 1/4 inch. I captured it in a bug catcher. Subsequently, I had to photograph it through the scratched up, plastic walls of the container with a handheld microscope. The photo is not ideal but I don't dare open the container. I also have to be careful that it doesn't escape. I think she / he is mad at me.

 

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[Digginman]

Looks pretty close, but I'm not sure.

DM

 

[Bridge End Farm]

sure looks like one to me. a young one and yes they can be very aggressive

 

[whitesPA]

yes it is for sure

 

[Cynangyl]

nasty lil buggers!!

 

[SC_hunter]

The only thing that makes me think this isn't a black widow is the size of the abdomen. All the ones I have seen have had a a "fat" or "large" abdomen. Just in case, I don't think I would play with it.

 

[JCinNJ]

Maybe, it's a male? Regardless, all spiders have venom and if you happen to be allergic, you may die. Always be careful.

HH

- joe

 

[RON (PA)]

It looks like one to me too...Just be safe. Put the container and all in the freezer. The freezer will kill it. I would keep it in the freezer for at least 3 days, throw it immediatley in the garbage and then take the garbage outside (okay, okay. I know that I said it would kill the spider, but I am a little paranoid about spiders, too). The container can then be put in the dishwasher, washed and used again. Hope it helps.

 

[emtrescue]

It looks like one to me too...Just be safe. Put the container and all in the freezer. The freezer will kill it. I would keep it in the freezer for at least 3 days, throw it immediatley in the garbage and then take the garbage outside (okay, okay. I know that I said it would kill the spider, but I am a little paranoid about spiders, too). The container can then be put in the dishwasher, washed and used again. Hope it helps.

Just nuke it. (for an hour, lol) not really an hour, but nuke it. I'm probably as paranoid about em as you are. I seen it on here and got chills from it.

 

[hollowpointred]

im not so sure that is a black widow. the body looks all wrong and that isnt really an hourglass design on its stomach. also, i thought black widows made gnarled webs in dark places like under stairs and in the corners of basements. not big sprawled out webs in well lit areas like in doorways. at any rate, its best to be careful with it, just in case.

 

[briankb70]

The only thing that makes me think this isn't a black widow is the size of the abdomen. All the ones I have seen have had a a "fat" or "large" abdomen. Just in case, I don't think I would play with it.

the ones that your referring to are carrying their eggs.

 

[SC_hunter]

The only thing that makes me think this isn't a black widow is the size of the abdomen. All the ones I have seen have had a a "fat" or "large" abdomen. Just in case, I don't think I would play with it.

the ones that your referring to are carrying their eggs.

Hmmm...this bad boy must be pregnant too..lol Looks like a fat abdomen to me.

 

[briankb70]

The only thing that makes me think this isn't a black widow is the size of the abdomen. All the ones I have seen have had a a "fat" or "large" abdomen. Just in case, I don't think I would play with it.

the ones that your referring to are carrying their eggs.

Hmmm...this bad boy must be pregnant too..lol Looks like a fat abdomen to me.

that one isn't rounded like the first oneyou posted. first one looks female

 

[briankb70]

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[briankb70]

I found this spider right by my door as I opened it. In fact, I got its long web across my face. Ewww!! I'm not sure, but it looks like a black or red widow spider. You can see the red markings on it's body. It is about 3/4 inch measuring the span of the back and front legs. The body is just about 1/4 inch. I captured it in a bug catcher. Subsequently, I had to photograph it through the scratched up, plastic walls of the container with a handheld microscope. The photo is not ideal but I don't dare open the container. I also have to be careful that it doesn't escape. I think she / he is mad at me.

probably male. you unfortunately live in the region where 2 of the three types of Black Widows live.

 

[desertfox]

Most likely it is. Nuke it, dump it but most of all don't play with it.

Desertfox

 

[emtrescue]

Ok folks, FYI just because it dont have the "classic markings" of a black widow, it dont necessarily mean it isn't one. While calmly (yeah right) looking at different pictures of black widows, I came across a website that has numerous different pictures of em. Here it is if you dare -


http://www.whatsthatbug.com/widow.html

 

[WilliamBoyd]

Black Widows build webs in corners, not over doors.
They like dark places.
The males are tiny, and don't build webs.
Your's could be one that hasn't eaten for a while or has laid her eggs.
Look for a white fuzzy egg pouch in the web, around 3/8" round.

 

[wazonme]

The daddy long legs is the most poisonous spider but they say our skin is too tough for their small teeth to penetrate

 

[MangoKnees]

If I ever get them here are they something an exterminator can handle. I'm going to have nightmares now.

Mango