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# Black Widow - Is It Dangerous? | Mind of Animals

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# Black Widow

Latrodectus mactans

VenomousFound in Floridaarachnids

4 Dangerous danger 4 out of 5

Black Widow

Photo by Unknown (CC BY 2.0) via [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Latrodectus_mactans_eating.JPG)

## What you should know

Shiny black with a red hourglass on her belly. She hides in woodpiles and sheds and truly does not want to meet you. A bite needs a doctor.

## Whoa

Only the female is dangerous to people. The male is a fraction of her size and mostly just tries to stay out of trouble.

## Staying safe around it

This one is venomous, which means it can put venom into you with a bite or a sting. Never touch it, and never try to move it yourself.

**Always ask a grown-up before you touch any animal or plant.** If something bites or stings you, tell an adult right away.

Source: [our source list](/mind-of-animals/#sources)

Read more about the black widow at [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latrodectus_mactans).

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