
Community identification
Brown Widow Spider
Latrodectus geometricus
- Order & Family
- Order: Araneae, Family: Theridiidae
- Size
- Females are typically 1/2 to 1 inch (including legs); males are significantly smaller.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in tropical and subtropical environments. Often seen around buildings, under eaves, in garages, and in outdoor furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous. Diet primarily consists of insects and other small arthropods caught in their web.
Behavior Patterns
Builds irregular, tangled, three-dimensional webs. They are generally shy and will retreat when disturbed. Known for their distinctive spiky egg sacs.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Venomous bite, though generally less severe than the black widow. A bite may cause pain, redness, and swelling. Benefits: Helps control populations of pest insects.