Southern Black Widow Spider

A black spider has a red hourglass on the underside or top of the abdomen. Some have a pair of red spots or no markings at all. The female is generally twice the size of males and has large venom glands. Its bite is harmful to humans sometimes fatal if proper medical treatment is not provided. Many injuries to humans occur as defensive bites when a spider is squeezed pinched or a finger is accidentally thrust into its web.