Black widow spiders are a fascinating species with some unique features. One particular aspect that often piques people’s interest is the number of eyes they have.
These arachnids are equipped with an impressive set of eight eyes, which are crucial for their survival and ability to catch prey.
The eyes of black widow spiders are arranged in a specific pattern. They have one large pair in the front, which is essential for detecting movements and sensing potential threats or prey.
The other six eyes are arranged in pairs around their head, allowing them to get a broader view of their surroundings, further enhancing their hunting capabilities.
Black Widow Spider Overview
Species and Distribution
The Black Widow Spider, belonging to the Latrodectus genus, is a member of the Family Theridiidae. These spiders are commonly found in:
- Australia
- North America
Physical Characteristics
Black widow spiders exhibit distinct features, such as:
- Shiny, black body
- Red markings (typically hourglass-shaped)
Female black widow spiders usually have a body length of 8 to 13 millimeters and can measure up to 25 to 35 millimeters with their legs extended.
Males, on the other hand, are smaller and exhibit black coloration with white underbellies.
Here is a comparison table of female and male black widow spiders:
| Gender | Body Length | Leg Span | Body Color | Underbelly Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 8-13 mm | 25-35 mm | Shiny black | Red hourglass |
| Male | Smaller | – | Black | White |
Black widow spiders are known for having eight eyes, arranged in two horizontal rows. This vision allows them to efficiently locate and capture their prey.
How Many Eyes Do Black Widow Spiders Have?
Number of Eyes
- Black widow spiders possess a total of eight eyes.
Eyesight Capabilities
- Their eyesight is relatively poor.
- They primarily use their eyes to detect changes in light.
- In contrast, hunting spiders have excellent vision for capturing prey.
Despite having eight eyes, black widow spiders do not rely heavily on their vision. Instead, they typically use other senses such as touch and vibration to navigate their environment and capture prey.
In comparison to hunting spiders, black widows have poor eyesight and mainly use their eyes for detecting changes in light.
Hunting spiders, on the other hand, need excellent vision to hunt and capture prey effectively, as they do not use webs like black widows do 1.
Overall, black widow spiders don’t have good eyesight. Their vision is mostly used for detecting light changes which helps them steer clear of predators, find shelter, and determine their location.
Comparison Table: Black Widow Spiders vs. Hunting Spiders
| Feature | Black Widow Spiders | Hunting Spiders |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | Poor | Excellent |
| Prey Capture | Web-based | Active hunting |
| Number of Eyes | 8 | 8 (varies) |
Black Widow Spider Varieties
Southern Black Widow
The Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans) is a venomous spider easily identified by its shiny black body and the distinctive red hourglass-shaped mark on its abdomen.
This species is common in the southern parts of the United States.
Characteristics:
- Shiny black body
- Red hourglass-shaped mark
Western Black Widow
The Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is predominantly found in the western parts of North America.
They are similar in appearance to the Southern Black Widow but can be distinguished by their slightly more robust body.
Characteristics:
- Larger, more robust body
- Red hourglass-shaped mark
Northern Black Widow
The Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus) is found in the eastern parts of the United States and southern Canada.
Their appearance is similar to other black widows; however, their red markings may be incomplete or broken.
Characteristics:
- Incomplete or broken red markings
- Found in eastern US and southern Canada
Red Widow
The Red Widow (Latrodectus bishopi) is a unique species found only in Florida.
They are named for their reddish-orange body and legs. The red widow lacks the red hourglass-shaped mark present in other widow spiders.
Characteristics:
- Reddish-orange body and legs
- Lacks red hourglass-shaped mark
Brown Widow
The Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) is not as toxic as other widow spiders, but still poses a risk to humans.
They are light brown with an orange hourglass-shaped mark and can be found worldwide.
Characteristics:
- Light brown body
- Orange hourglass-shaped mark
| Feature | Southern | Western | Northern | Red | Brown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourglass Mark Color | Red | Red | Red | Absent | Orange |
| Body Color | Black | Black | Black | Red | Brown |
| Primary Habitat | Southern US | Western North America | Eastern US and Southern Canada | Florida | Worldwide |
Conclusion
Black widow spiders, with their iconic eight eyes and distinctive markings, are a marvel of nature.
From their unique hunting techniques to their venom’s potency, they’ve earned a reputation in the animal kingdom.
Their presence is not just limited to the wild; they’ve also made a mark in pop culture, inspiring characters like Marvel’s Natasha Romanoff.
Understanding these spiders’ characteristics, behavior, and varieties offers a deeper appreciation for these intriguing arachnids.
Footnotes
5 Comments. Leave new
i saw an immature black widow today and it was reflecting silver in the sun when i pulled out an old broom by the door. At first I thought it was a beetle, but when i looked down on it, it looked exactly like your image on the rabbit fur but it was shiny. it was originally behind some plants by my basement door, i guess it hid in the plant during the heat of the day. The rain is bringing all kinds of bugs out of their normally damp and dark but now are wet habitats. Time to spray the door with pine sol. They do not like it when we put it out in basement:)
I am so happy to find out today that there is such a spider as a “false black widow”! I found two of these (I hope) in my home this week here in Castle Rock, WA. I captured them and have them in clear containers and am feeding them live flies and drops of water. They are both still alive after about five days. I have never seen a Black Widow in the state of Washington, do you know if they live here? I am about 100 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Now that I am fairly sure they are not Black Widows I suppose I should set them free but shudder at the thought of running across them while I weed my garden! I am over 70 years old!
The Western Black Widow has been reported from Washington and British Columbia, according to BugGuide.
How fast can a “false black widow” crawl? Mine goes pretty darn fast. How fast does a Black Widow crawl?
Both can scuttle quite quickly.