Black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) are tiny insects that are only three to ten millimeters long. They can be dark gray to black in color, and mature spiders have the classic red hourglass shape on their abdomens. Younger spiders, however, may not develop this pattern until later in life.
Black widow spiders favor warm, temperate climates like those in the southern United States. They can be found in outdoor locations such as tree stumps, rodent holes, and piles of leaves. They can also set up webs inside of garages, basements, and open buildings such as barns.
Bites can occur when dogs go for walks outside or if the spider becomes trapped or accidentally stepped on. Black widows are not an aggressive spider species and prefer to hide away from other animals, but in situations where they are stressed, they may bite. Sometimes, this bite is considered “dry,” meaning that it did not break skin or no venom was injected. Unfortunately, envenomation is successful more than 80% of the time.
[ad_2]