Northern Black Widows -- the females at least -- are famously feared for their venomous bite. Although this species prefers the safety of their web to human contact, they will attack in deadly force if provoked. Bite victims should seek medical attention right away. The males of the species are harmless.
Northern Black Widow spiders are glossy jet-black and marked with a bright-red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen. They may also have a line of red dots on its abdomen, with white rib-like stripes along the side of the adbomen. A female Northern Black Widow can be about 0.12 to 0.39 inches.
The Northern Black Widow is found throughout the eastern United States, including Connecticut. While their territory overlaps that of the Southern Black Widow spider, Connecticut is home to only the norther species. More specifically, the Black Widow will often build its nest in dark corners where it is protected from the elements. Webs can be found under rocks, logs or lawn furniture, and in corners of sheds, garages and barns.
The wolf spider is rather large and intimidating, but its bite is more painful than harmful. Wolf spiders typically burrow underground and only come out at night to hunt, which makes it easy for humans to avoid these hairy arachnids. The parson is another grounded spider that can be recognized by the unique pattern of brown and black on his abdomen. If handled by a human, the parson spider will strike out and bite but this will only result in an allergic reaction similar to the bump left by a mosquito bite. The jumping spider is actually curious and often friendly with humans, but they will bite if handled roughly. This species is identified by a pattern of tan, white, black and gray on the body and legs.
