Southern Black Widow

Latrodectus mactans

True spideradvancedVenom: Medically significant

Medically significant venom

Venom is medically significant. Experienced keepers only — check local legality and have a protocol.

About

The classic glossy-black widow with the red hourglass — a hardy, low-maintenance web-builder, but strictly for experienced, cautious keepers: its venom is medically significant (latrodectism), so it demands escape-proof housing and absolutely no handling. Give a tall enclosure with anchor points for its irregular cobweb, room temperature, occasional misting for water, and crickets or flies. Shy and reluctant to bite, but treat with full respect. Solitary.

Taxonomy

FamilyTheridiidae

GenusLatrodectus

Native regionSoutheastern USA

TypeCobweb (web)

Temperamentshy and reclusive; venom is MEDICALLY SIGNIFICANT — no handling

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale 8-13 mm, male ~4 mm

Length4.00–13.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature70–85 °F

Humidity50–65%

Enclosure

Adult size8x8x10 in or 32oz, vertical web anchors

Substrateanchor points (sticks, cork, mesh) for an irregular cobweb; substrate optional

Substrate depth1-2 inches (web spider; rarely on the ground)

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeflying insects, crickets

Adult cadence2-3 prey per week

Times kept: 0