Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between the Black Widow spider that is well known in the southern part of North America and the Widow spiders that we have in the Rocky Mountain Region?  This last spring my daughter was in the bathroom when a “Black Widow” spider fell down from the ceiling.  Apart from the shock of seeing the spider, she asked the question, ‘why does the Black Widow have a brownish color’?  The Western Widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus) is a venomous spider found in western North America, from British Columbia to California and south to Mexico. It is a close relative of the southern Black Widow spider (Latrodectus mactans), which is found in eastern North America.

Western Widow spiders are typically about 1/2 inch long, with a black or dark brown body and a red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen. The hourglass marking can be faint or even absent in some individuals.  Western Widow spiders prefer to live in dark, undisturbed places, such as woodpiles, rock piles, and underbrush. They often build their webs in these areas, but they may also be found hiding in crevices or under objects.  In the case of my daughter’s Western Widow spider, it had shacked up in the attic (an undisturbed crevice) and had ventured down to find food.

Western Widow spiders are not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened. However, their bite can be quite painful and can even be fatal, especially in children and the elderly.  If you are bitten by a Western Widow spider, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. There is no specific antidote for the venom, but treatment can help to relieve the symptoms and prevent complications.

Here are some tips to help you avoid being bitten by a Western Widow spider:

• Be aware of the spiders’ habitat and avoid areas where they are likely to be found.
• Shake out clothing and shoes before putting them on.
• Inspect firewood and other objects before bringing them into your home.
• Repair any holes or cracks in your home’s foundation or exterior.
• If you find a Western Widow spider, do not attempt to handle it. 

Our family believes that killing a spider should only be done if it is absolutely necessary.  This is because Western Widow spiders, and other spiders are an important part of the ecosystem. They can be dangerous if they bite. By taking some simple precautions, you can help to avoid being bitten and stay safe.

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