Lactrodectus mantans- The black widow spider
The black widow is a species of spider that is known for the females’ unique appearance and venomous bite. It has a shiny black body with red markings, and its venom is reported to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake's.
Black widows are found in temperate regions throughout the world, including the United States, Southern Europe and Asia, Australia, Africa, and much of South America. They are considered the most venomous spider in North America. In the United States, they exist primarily in the South and West. They are usually found in outdoor structures like fences, rock piles, sheds and outdoor furniture. In cold weather they may enter buildings.
Black widows are found in temperate regions throughout the world, including the United States, Southern Europe and Asia, Australia, Africa, and much of South America. They are considered the most venomous spider in North America. In the United States, they exist primarily in the South and West. They are usually found in outdoor structures like fences, rock piles, sheds and outdoor furniture. In cold weather they may enter buildings.
Skeletal structure of the black widow
Black Widow Spiders have two body segments. The front segment is called the Cephalothorax. The spider’s eyes, mouth fangs, stomach, brain and the glands that make the poison are on this part of the body. The legs are connected to this part, as well. Most spiders have eight eyes, but some have less. Spiders also have these tiny little leg-ish things called ‘pedipalps’ that are beside the fangs. They help to hold prey while the spider bites it. The second part of the body is called the Abdomen. The back end of the abdomen is where the spinnerets, the silk producing glands, are. The spider’s body has an oil on it to keep the spider from sticking to it’s own web.
Spider’s legs are covered with many hairs. The hairs pick up vibrations and smells from the air. At the end of the legs are, at least, two small claws. Spiders have 48 knees. Yup, count them…eight legs with six joints on each.
Spiders do not have a skeleton inside their bodies. They have a hard outer shell called an ‘exoskeleton’. Because it is hard, it can’t grow with the spider. So young spiders need to molt, or shed their exoskeleton. The spider must climb out of the old shell through the cephalothorax. You can imagine how hard it must be to pull all those legs out! They are pretty helpless at this point. Once they are out they must stretch themselves out before the new exoskeleton hardens. This gives them a bit of growing room. As adults, they stop growing and do not need to molt.
Spider’s legs are covered with many hairs. The hairs pick up vibrations and smells from the air. At the end of the legs are, at least, two small claws. Spiders have 48 knees. Yup, count them…eight legs with six joints on each.
Spiders do not have a skeleton inside their bodies. They have a hard outer shell called an ‘exoskeleton’. Because it is hard, it can’t grow with the spider. So young spiders need to molt, or shed their exoskeleton. The spider must climb out of the old shell through the cephalothorax. You can imagine how hard it must be to pull all those legs out! They are pretty helpless at this point. Once they are out they must stretch themselves out before the new exoskeleton hardens. This gives them a bit of growing room. As adults, they stop growing and do not need to molt.