Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2157949
Southern Black Widow
Latrodectus mactansAlso known as Shoe-button Spider, Southern Black Widow Spider
Southern black widows build messy, exceptionally strong cobwebs in dark, sheltered crevices where they wait upside down for unwary insects. While famous for sexual cannibalism, males frequently escape intact if the female is well fed. Their potent neurotoxic venom subdues struggling prey, reserving bites for humans as a defensive last resort when pinched or stepped on.
VenomousArachnidNocturnal
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Crickets
- Caterpillars
Predators
- Mud Dauber Wasps
- Centipedes
- Birds
ThreatsPesticide application, habitat loss, and human persecution
HabitatsForests, woodpiles, stone walls, sheds, and brush
Life span1 to 3 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTheridiidae
- SpeciesLatrodectus mactans
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Possesses a potent neurotoxic bite; avoid handling and check dark crevices before reaching inside.
- Why it is dangerous
- Delivers alpha-latrotoxin venom through defensive bites, causing severe muscle pain, cramps, nausea, and sweating.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Glossy jet-black body with a bright red hourglass pattern on the underside of the spherical abdomen.
- What to do
- Never handle directly; inspect dark woodpiles or garden debris before reaching in with bare hands.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Spot them at night using a flashlight focused on low-lying sheltered crevices and woodpiles.
- Safety: Wear thick work gloves when clearing firewood, stacked bricks, or outdoor storage items.
- Prevention: Keep outdoor lighting minimal near entryways to avoid attracting night-flying prey.
Invasive Competitor (c) Jesse Rorabaugh, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh · cc-by
Predator (c) Nathan Odgers, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Luke Padon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Luke Padon · cc-by
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