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Male Black Widow Spider

On average, male black widow spiders are smaller than females, reaching only four millimeters in length. However, the legs of the male black widow are considerably longer than the female's and are marked by orange and brown at the joints. Males exhibit red and white stripes on the abdomen and are more colorful and finely patterned than females. Males black widows have a smaller venom sac than females and after the male matures, the venom sac is not functional.

A mature male black widow spider sends vibrations to a female to initiate mating. Like females, male black widow spiders are shy and prefer to dwell in dark, dry and isolated locations such as cellars, sheds and basements.

Southern American Black Widow Spiders

Northern Black Widow Spider

Female Black Widow Spider