Western Black Widow - Latrodectus hesperus

Captive Bred Latrodectus hesperus Latrodectus hesperus, commonly known as the western black widow, is a species of venomous spider found primarily in the western regions of North America. These spiders are easily recognizable by their shiny black bodies with a distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. Females are larger than males, typically measuring around 1.5 inches in length, while males are smaller and less conspicuous. Western black widows prefer dry, dark environments such as woodpiles, rock crevices, and outdoor structures. They spin irregular webs to catch prey, which primarily consists of insects. Like other members of the widow family, Latrodectus hesperus females are known for their potentially dangerous venom, although fatalities are rare. Their venom contains neurotoxins that can cause severe reactions in humans, including intense pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and in extreme cases, respiratory failure. 18+