BLACK WIDOW SPIDER

The black widow spider, scientifically known as *Latrodectus mactans*, is a highly recognizable arachnid, known for the distinctive glossy black coloration of the females, which often features a prominent red hourglass-shaped mark on the underside of their abdomen. These spiders are relatively small, with females typically measuring about 1.5 inches including leg span, while males are about half this size and less distinctively marked. Their diet primarily consists of small insects, which they capture using irregular, sticky webbing. They play a significant role in controlling pest populations, such as flies and mosquitoes.

In Bisbee, Arizona, the presence of the black widow spider is noteworthy due to the town's historical and ongoing issues with insect-borne diseases, particularly in areas disturbed by mining activities where standing water can attract pests. The black widow helps manage these pest populations naturally. One unique quality of the black widow is its potent venom, which is considerably more powerful than that of many other spiders but is rarely fatal to humans thanks to modern medical treatments. This aspect of the black widow, while fearsome, underscores its role as a natural pest control agent, contributing to the ecological balance in regions like Bisbee.