·Appearance: Black widows are black and shiny, with a telltale red hourglass shape on their back.
·Region: This spider species is found throughout United States, but is most common in the southern states where the temperature is warmer.

·Habitat: Black widow spiders are often found around woodpiles and can gain entry into a structure on firewood. They are also found under eaves, in boxes, and other areas where they are undisturbed. Black widow spiders spin their webs near ground level.

·Threat: While male black widow spiders rarely bite, females are known to be aggressive and bite in defense, especially when guarding eggs. Symptoms of a black widow bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating and nausea. Fatalities are unlikely, as long as proper medical treatment is sought in a timely manner. Despite their notoriety, there hasn't been a death in the U.S. due to a black widow bite in more than a decade.

·Unique Facts: Female black widows were previously thought to kill and consume males after mating, hence their name. However, further research has shown this to be a rare occurrence in the natural world.