Careful Footwork
Posted by Jennifer Ritter on April 17, 2006
Q: There is a very small grey spider, 1/2", with a bright orange dot on the underside of its abdomen...any relation to the widow or is it a look-alike?
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: North Carolina
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: Although you do have Black Widow spiders in North Carolina, from the size you've shared, it would be an adult and should be coal black, not gray. There are so many different spiders and they come in so many colors that it is really difficult to know what you might have. I am quite sure you don't have a Black Widow however. Yes, it could be related but the Black Widow and Brown Recluse are the only two in North America, north of Mexico, that are considered dangerous. Consider your "boarder" a friend and one who will help keep insect numbers down - shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for asking and I hope this helps.
John Wiessinger ( April 17, 2006)