Black widow spiders, with their distinctive appearance and reputation, are among the most recognizable spiders in North America. Understanding their habitats helps people coexist with them and aids in identification.
Black Widow Distribution Across the United States
Black widow spiders are found across diverse regions of the United States, with specific species inhabiting different areas. The Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) is found in the southeastern states, extending northward into Ohio and New York, and westward to Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona, even reaching parts of southern Canada.
The Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) primarily inhabits the Northeast, spanning from southern Canada down to Florida and west into Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. This species is common in the Middle Atlantic states, including New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, and Maryland. The Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is prevalent throughout the western United States.
Its distribution stretches from California to Texas and extends northward into parts of western Canada. This species thrives in various environments, from arid deserts to high mountain regions.
Common Habitats and Preferred Environments
Black widow spiders seek dark, secluded, undisturbed locations. They prefer areas near the ground, both outdoors and indoors. Outside, common spots include woodpiles, rubble piles, and spaces beneath rocks or stones.
They also favor hollow logs, tree stumps, animal burrows, and areas under eaves or within bushes. Human-made structures like sheds, garages, and outdoor furniture also provide suitable shelter. Within homes, black widows inhabit basements, crawl spaces, attics, and other dimly lit, less-frequented areas.
These spiders are drawn to cluttered spaces, inside boxes, or rarely used items like shoes. These environments provide the quiet, protected conditions, consistent warmth, and minimal disturbance necessary for their survival and for catching prey.
Identifying Black Widows
Identifying a black widow spider involves recognizing physical characteristics, particularly in the female. Adult female black widows have a shiny black body with long, slender legs. Their body length can range from 3 to 13 millimeters, with females being larger than males.
The bulbous abdomen displays a distinctive red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on its underside. This hourglass shape can vary, sometimes appearing as two separate triangles or dots, and in the Northern black widow, it may be incomplete or split. Male black widows are smaller, tan in color with lighter stripes or spots, or red and white markings on the top of their abdomen.
The web of a black widow spider is also a clue; it is irregular, messy, and tangled, rather than neatly structured. These strong, sticky webs are found near ground level. Females hang upside down in their webs, making their hourglass marking visible.