Careful Footwork
Posted by Jessica Power on January 24, 2006
Q: I found a small black spider with a reddish orange -hourglass or heart shaped spot on its back. It is not on the underside like the black widow, it is on its back. It also looks like it has 2 small dots of the same color near the end of it's abdomen on the back side also. Just wondering if it is poisonous and what it is.
thank you,
Jessica
State: Newfoundland
A: Keep in mind that all spiders have venom although only two species, Black Widow and Brown Recluse, are reasonably dangerous. Living in New Foundland you needn't worry about either of these spiders - they don't live that far north. There are lots of different kinds of spiders with all kinds of different patterns and colors. May I suggest you get an inexpensive book on spiders to help you ID this one and future finds? The Golden Nature Guide series puts out a very nice beginners guide to spiders that is quite helpful - I use it myself. You might even be able to get one at a library. Hope this helps and thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( January 25, 2006)