Arachnids of North Carolina
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View Theridiidae Members: NC Records

Latrodectus variolus - Northern black widow


Male
Hourglass can be split in variolus
Red spot wider than long
Taxonomy
Order: ARANEAEInfraorder: AraneomorphaeFamily: Theridiidae                                                                                 
Identification
Online Description/Photos: BugGuide Google, iNaturalist, Wikipedia, GBIF
Comments: Females are shiny black, brown-black, with possibly a row of red spots on the top of the abdomen along the midline. Two reddish triangles resembling an hourglass are present on the underside of the abdomen. The male’s abdomen usually has red spots along the upper midline and white lines or bars radiating out to the sides. (The number of bars can indicate which species.) hourglass primarily split or partial, when complete anterior and posterior halves generally proportional. Hourglass often split in middle, with both halves or one half prominent to reduced, or hourglass is partial (anterior or posterior half absent) with either posterior or anterior half prominent or reduced, or hourglass is completely absent. Adult males show same hourglass variations as adult females. Northern black widow males have a wider than long 2nd orange/red spot.
Total Length: Size of females 9-11 mm, males about 6 mm. Adult ID: identifiable by photo of specific features and/or supplementary info
Distribution in North Carolina
Comments: Eastern United States
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Adult phenology:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Dry forest with sheltered or shady locations.
Observation Methods:
Abundance/Frequency: Occasional
Silk / Web: Cobweb a large tangle of tough silk, retreat funnels into litter. Female uses silk to make a round, smooth white or light brown egg case.
Behavior: Females are sedentary, staying on or near their web. They will bite if molested. Males and immatures are harmless.
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks:
State Protection:
Comments:

 Photo Gallery for Latrodectus variolus - Northern black widow

50 photos are available. Only the most recent 30 are shown.

Recorded by: C. Blake, T. Chisholm, M. Gentry on 2024-06-15
Iredell Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: C. Blake, T. Chisholm, M. Gentry on 2024-06-15
Iredell Co.
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Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-05-10
Chatham Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Sara Lalk on 2024-05-04
Wake Co.
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Recorded by: Sara Lalk on 2024-05-04
Wake Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Sara Lalk on 2024-05-04
Wake Co.
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Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2024-05-01
Wilson Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2024-05-01
Wilson Co.
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Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2024-03-15
Hertford Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2024-03-15
Hertford Co.
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Recorded by: Travis McLain on 2023-07-21
Gaston Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Travis McLain on 2023-07-21
Gaston Co.
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Recorded by: J. Perry on 2023-07-09
Stokes Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Trip Holzwarth on 2023-05-26
Dare Co.
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Recorded by: Trip Holzwarth on 2023-05-26
Dare Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: A. Ledford on 2023-05-26
Wake Co.
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Recorded by: Travis McLain on 2023-03-24
Rowan Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Travis McLain on 2023-03-24
Rowan Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Travis McLain on 2023-03-24
Rowan Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: D. Schafer on 2023-03-04
Gates Co.
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Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2022-05-01
Chatham Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Tracy S. Feldman on 2022-03-17
Scotland Co.
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Recorded by: Tracy S. Feldman on 2022-03-17
Scotland Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2020-09-15
Wilkes Co.
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Recorded by: j.wyche on 2017-04-29
Gates Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: j.wyche on 2017-04-29
Gates Co.
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Recorded by: Tracy S. Feldman on 2016-10-18
Scotland Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Tracy S. Feldman on 2016-10-18
Scotland Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Tracy S. Feldman on 2016-10-18
Scotland Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2016-07-21
Stokes Co.
Comment: