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Black Widow Spiders in Kansas

The female black widow spider is one of only a few species of spiders that has neurotoxic venom which can be lethal to humans. Of the five types of black widows found in the Unites States, three are found in the state of Kansas - the Northern, Southern and Western black widow. Identification of each species is based on the pattern of the red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen.

  1. Southern Black Widow

    • In the state of Kansas, Southern black widows are only found in the southern region. The hourglass marking is wider on the top then it is on the bottom, and the ends of the bottom half are rounded or have an up-curled edge. Egg sacs are identified by a grayish color and spherical shape.

    Northern Black Widow

    • The hourglass marking of a Northern black widow is broken down the middle into two separate parts, with the top more triangular and the bottom more oblong. Their egg sacs are pear-shaped and have a yellow or tan tinge. In Kansas, Northern black widows are typically found in the eastern and western regions of the state.

    Western Black Widow

    • The hourglass marking of a Western black widow is similar to that of the Southern, in that the top is longer and wider than the bottom. However, the bottom of the Western black widow hourglass is significantly smaller and has a clearly defined triangular shape. Western black widows produce a creamy yellow or tan colored pear-shaped egg sac, and can be found in the western regions of Kansas.

    Habitat

    • All species of black widow prefer to make their webs in dark, dry places. It is not uncommon to find them in wood piles, under rocks and ledges, or in garages, cellars and closets. Black widow webs are typically one foot in diameter, and are constructed of a strong, sticky silk. There is no discernable pattern, however there is a dense area of silk accumulated to one side that acts as the spider's daytime retreat.

    Bite

    • Although the venom of a black widow is toxic to humans, studies indicate that less then 1 percent of bites are ever fatal. The initial bite of a black widow may go unnoticed or can feel like a short stabbing pain. Initially, slight swelling occurs around the two red puncture marks. Pain begins around the puncture site and spreads to the back and abdomen, where the individual will experience severe cramping. Nausea, tremors, profuse sweating, labored breathing, fever and increased blood pressure can accompany a black widow bite. In normal, healthy adults, symptoms typically diminish within 24 hours and are gone after several days. Children and elderly or unhealthy individuals are likely to experience these symptoms more severely and should seek treatment as soon as possible.

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