Summary
A Florida-endemic widow restricted to scrub-pine habitat in the central and southern peninsula. Distinct from other North American widows in coloration - orange-red cephalothorax and legs with a black abdomen marked by red spots, and no ventral hourglass.
Quick answers
- Is Red Widow dangerous to humans?
- Yes. Red Widow is one of the few species in North America whose bite is established as medically significant. Adult-female bites can warrant medical evaluation.
- How big is an adult red widow?
- Adult female body length is 9–13 mm; males are 4–6 mm. Leg span reaches 25–38 mm.
- Where does Red Widow live?
- Sand pine and oak scrub. Builds webs inside rolled palmetto fronds; the spider rarely leaves the retreat. Established U.S. populations occur in 1 states.
- What does Red Widow eat and when is it active?
- Beetles, ants, and other insects. Nocturnal; sedentary.
Identification
- Orange-red cephalothorax and legs
- Black abdomen marked with red spots ringed in yellow or white
- No ventral hourglass (uniquely among North American widows)
- Female body 9–13 mm
Morphometrics
| Measurement | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Body length | 9–13 mm | 4–6 mm |
| Leg span | 25–38 mm | - |
| Lifespan | 1–3 years | - |
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Web type | Tangled cobweb built in palmetto fronds (Sabal etonia, Serenoa repens). |
| Eye arrangement | Eight eyes in two rows of four. |
| Eggs per sac | 100–250 |
| Egg sacs per year | 2–6 |
Geographic range
Native range: Florida endemic - central and southern peninsula scrub habitat.
U.S. states with established populations: Florida.
State pages covering Red Widow
Habitat & behavior
Habitat: Sand pine and oak scrub. Builds webs inside rolled palmetto fronds; the spider rarely leaves the retreat.
Activity: Nocturnal; sedentary.
Diet: Beetles, ants, and other insects.
Venom & medical significance
| Venom property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Neurotoxic (alpha-latrotoxin) |
| LD₅₀ | Not established |
| Note | Bites are exceedingly rare due to the species' restricted habitat. Effects when reported are consistent with latrodectism; black widow antivenom is expected to be effective. |
Bite symptoms & first aid
Symptoms
- Latrodectism when reported, but documented bites are extremely uncommon
Commonly confused with
- Other Latrodectus species (color is diagnostic)
Key facts
- The red widow has no ventral hourglass - the only North American widow species missing this trait. [1]
Sources
- [1]Red Widow Spider - Latrodectus bishopi - University of Florida IFAS Featured Creatures. Accessed 2026-06-14.