Showing 2 types of WIDOW SPIDERS
Five species of these native spiders occur in North America, being found in all states and in southern Canada. Other species may be found worldwide.
Latin Name: Latrodectus geometricus
The actual origin of this species is uncertain, as it was first discovered in South America, but believed to have originated in Africa. It was found in Florida in the mid-20th century and remained restricted to that state until around 2000 when it began to be found in other states from Texas to South Carolina and in 2003 showed up in southern California. Since that time it has spread rapidly throughout southern California and is thought to even be displacing the black widows there.