Black Widow - (Latrodectus mactans)

The bodies of both genders are shiny and hairless. Juveniles can start out brown, white and orange, growing more black as they age.

Webs are irregular in shape, but strong, and are built under stones, near openings of rodent holes and on outbuildings such as sheds, outhouses or barns. They are unlikely to leave their webs and do not go out of their way to bite humans. Females guarding eggs will be more inclined to attack and bite instead of attempt to escape from a perceived threat.

The venom in adult females is highly poisonous to humans and REQUIRES MEDICAL ATTENTION. Some people feel the bite (like a pin-prick), others do not. Pain will eventually begin at the site of the bite and then it spreads to the stomach and back with cramping in the first 8-12 hours of the bite. Other symptoms also may include: sweating, nausea, tremors, restlessness, fever and headache.