Five species of venomous spiders occur in Florida: the southern black widow spider, northern black widow spider, red widow spider, brown widow spider and brown recluse spider.

The four species of widow spiders are very similar in body shape. All are about 1/2" long with legs extended. Their life cycle is also similar. The female lays about 250 eggs in a pear-shaped egg sac that is about 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter. The spider eggs hatch in about 20 days. As the young spiders mature, they construct a loosely woven web and capture progressively larger prey. In Florida, all the widow spiders except the northern black widow spider breed year-round.

Anyone bitten by a poisonous spider should preserve it in rubbing alcohol for positive identification. Most spider bites are not considered dangerous, but if you suspect one of the widow spider or brown recluse spider, get medical attention immediately.

• Southern black widow spider (Plate 1). This is the most widespread widow spider in Florida. It is glossy black and has a complete hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen (Plate 2). The northern black widow spider has the same general appearance, but has two red triangles resembling an hourglass and a row of red spots on top of the abdomen. The northern species is found west of Tallahassee, primarily in forests, with its webs three to 20 feet above the ground. The southern black widow spider is usually found outdoors in protected places, such as under rocks and boards, and in and around old buildings. The bite of the black widow spider and other widow spiders usually feels like a pin prick. The initial pain disappears rapidly, leaving local swelling and two tiny red marks. Muscular cramps in the shoulder, thigh and back usually begin within 15 minutes to three hours. In severe cases, pain spreads to the abdomen, the blood pressure rises, and there is nausea, sweating and difficulty in breathing. Death may result, depending on the victim's physical condition, age and location of bite. Death seldom occurs if a physician is consulted and treatment of the spider bite is prompt.

• Red widow spider (Plate 3). This species has a black abdomen and reddish-orange head, thorax and legs. The top of the abdomen usually has a row of red spots with yellow borders. This spider lacks a complete hourglass on the underside of the abdomen and instead usually has one or two small red marks (Plate 4). The red widow spider constructs its web in palmettos and has been found primarily in sand-pine scrub habitats in central and southeast Florida.

• Brown widow spider (Plate 5). This spider varies from light gray to light brown to black. The abdomen has variable markings of black, white, red and yellow. The underside of the abdomen has an orange or yellow hourglass (Plate 6). It is found most often south of Daytona Beach along the coast. It usually makes its web on buildings in well-lighted areas.

• Brown recluse spider (Plate 7). This is not an established species in Florida. It is recognized by the distinctive dark violin-shaped mark located on the head and thorax. The brown recluse spider is a medium-sized spider about 1/4" to 1/2" long. It is light tan to deep reddish-brown (Plate 8). It is usually found in sheds, garages or areas of homes that are undisturbed and contain a supply of insects to serve as food. Favorite hiding places include arms and legs of garments left hanging for some time or beds that have been unoccupied for long periods of time. Persons bitten by this spider usually do not feel pain for two to three hours. A blister arises at the site of the spider bite, followed by inflammation. Eventually the tissue dies, leaving a sunken sore. Healing may take as long as six to eight weeks.

Plate 1. 

Southern black widow spider.

Plate 2. 

Southern black widow spider.

Plate 3. 

Red widow spider.

Plate 4. 

Red widow spider.

Plate 5. 

Brown widow spider.

Plate 6. 

Brown widow spider.

Plate 7. 

Brown recluse spider.

Plate 8. 

Brown recluse spider.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.

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