Black Widow Spiders

Phylum: Arthropods                Class: Scorpions, ticks, mites, harvestmen, and spiders

Order: True Spiders                       Family:  Theridiidae

People in Georgia, such as gardeners or just a little kid playing in their backyard, may have an encounter with a black widow because these spiders are found in dark or small spaces, such as under rocks or in between two fence posts. The female spider has a red hour glass on her back and is the black widow that is venomous. The male is NOT! The black widow spider is one of the two spiders in Georgia that is venomous. Remember, a black widow spider is NOT out to get you if you don't bother it. Even though it may seem like they are, they aren't. A black widow will only use its venom if it really needs too. Click on the picture to learn more about the effects of the bite and facts about the black widow spider!