Brown Widow
Latrodectus geometricus
A brown, patterned widow spider often found in sheltered areas around Florida homes.
Brown widows build irregular cobwebs in protected corners, under outdoor furniture, in sheds, and around equipment. The female is brown to gray with a patterned abdomen and an orange to reddish hourglass underneath.
Their distinctive spiky egg sacs help distinguish the species. This spider generally retreats when disturbed, but accidental contact creates a bite risk.
Habitat:
Urban and Residential Areas, Forests and Woodlands
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Traps flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other small arthropods in its irregular web.
Behavior:
Usually remains in its web or retreats. Bites are most likely when the spider is pressed against skin or disturbed in a confined space.
Night
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Year-round in sheltered sites; inspect outdoor furniture and equipment with care
Florida Native Status:
Non-native
Conservation Status:
Established and widespread; not a listed Florida imperiled species
Safety Level:
Venomous. Avoid contact
Safety Information:
Avoid handling the spider or its egg sacs. If bitten and symptoms develop, seek medical advice.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes insects around buildings and landscapes.
Property Concerns:
Webs under chairs, planters, mailboxes, and stored equipment create accidental contact risk for people and pets.
Fun Fact:
The spiky egg sac is one of the most useful clues for distinguishing Brown Widows from other widow spiders.
Wildlife Laws:
No species-specific Florida protection was identified. Follow local pest-control rules and use qualified help when a spider presents a hazard.
Identification:
The female has a rounded, mottled brown abdomen, banded legs, and an orange to reddish hourglass on the underside. Color varies, so the hourglass alone is not a complete identification.
The pale egg sacs have pointed projections, giving them a spiky appearance. Never reach blindly into a web to inspect one.