While the female black widow spider is widely recognized for her distinct markings, the male looks quite different. These differences in appearance are important for identification, as the male is often overlooked due to its less imposing features.
Key Identifying Features
The male black widow spider is considerably smaller than the female, typically measuring only about half an inch to less than an inch in length, including its legs. Unlike the female’s glossy black body, the male’s coloration is usually brown or gray, offering a degree of camouflage. Their abdomens often display a variety of lighter markings, such as white stripes and spots.
The famous red hourglass mark, so prominent on the female, is often absent or much less distinct on the male. Instead, males might have small red or yellow markings, which can appear as fragmented spots or stripes on the top or sides of their abdomen. The male’s body shape is more slender and elongated compared to the female’s round, bulbous abdomen, giving it a more agile appearance. Another distinguishing feature of the male black widow is its elongated pedipalps, small appendages near its mouth that resemble tiny boxing gloves. These structures are more prominent in males and are used in mating.
Distinguishing from the Female
A clear distinction between male and female black widow spiders lies in their overall size. The female is significantly larger, often reaching up to 1.5 inches in length, while the male typically measures less than an inch. Their primary body colors also differ markedly; females are characteristically jet black, whereas males are usually brown or gray.
The most recognized feature of the female, the vivid red hourglass marking on the underside of her abdomen, is typically absent or much less defined on the male. Male black widows may have various patterns of red, orange, yellow, or white spots and stripes on their abdomen, which are not as uniform or hourglass-shaped as the female’s mark. Furthermore, the female’s abdomen is typically rounded and spherical, while the male’s is more elongated and slender. Male black widows also possess proportionately longer legs compared to the female.
Venom and Bite
While the female black widow is widely known for her venomous bite, the male black widow poses little threat to humans. The male’s venom is significantly less potent than the female’s and is generally considered harmless to people. Bites from male black widows are rare, primarily because their fangs are typically too small to penetrate human skin effectively.
Even if a male were to bite, the amount of venom delivered would be minimal and unlikely to cause serious medical issues. Black widows are not aggressive and usually only bite defensively. The danger associated with black widow spiders almost exclusively concerns the adult female.