Tuesday June 22, 1999 - Question 11

Which of the following statements regarding the black widow spider is correct?

A. The Black Widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) is the only toxic species of widow spiders found in North America.

B. Male and female black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) are equally toxic to humans.

C. Black widow spiders are found primarily in the southwestern United States with bites reported more often during the summer.

D. The female black widow spider is a shiny, jet black in color, and has a characteristic red hourglass marking on it’s bulbous abdomen.

E. The female black widow spider is a large spider, typically measuring 3-4 cm.
 

Discussion