Post by anubis on Nov 3, 2005 20:52:15 GMT -5
The Black Widow
Distribution: Southwestern US
Appearance: Females are larger than the males and have a shiny black abdomen with a broken 'hourglass' pattern on the reverse side. Males are fairly small and their abdomens are much less pronounced. They often have bluish bands on the legs.
Lifespan: Females: 1-3 years
Males: Several months
Housing: A medium sized glass or plastic jar is suitable. The enclosure must be vertical however. A small twig can be used as it helps the spider build a web. Substrate is not necessary but coconut husk shavings or dirt can be used.
Heating/Humidity: No special heating or humidifying is necessary.
Water: Black Widows do not need a water dish as they get most of their water from their prey.
Feeding: Crickets, mealworms, small locusts, flies, and other small insects may be fed. Feed one small prey item every four days or feed one medium sized prey item once a week. (Note: If the female's abdomen is fairly small feed it a larger prey item; if it is still large then only one small prey item is necessary)
WARNING: Black Widows are highly venomous and a bite can cause severe pain at the site. If you feel lightheaded, sick, or have breathing difficulties go IMMEDIATELY to a hospital. Never handle this spider and always keep the lid locked.
Distribution: Southwestern US
Appearance: Females are larger than the males and have a shiny black abdomen with a broken 'hourglass' pattern on the reverse side. Males are fairly small and their abdomens are much less pronounced. They often have bluish bands on the legs.
Lifespan: Females: 1-3 years
Males: Several months
Housing: A medium sized glass or plastic jar is suitable. The enclosure must be vertical however. A small twig can be used as it helps the spider build a web. Substrate is not necessary but coconut husk shavings or dirt can be used.
Heating/Humidity: No special heating or humidifying is necessary.
Water: Black Widows do not need a water dish as they get most of their water from their prey.
Feeding: Crickets, mealworms, small locusts, flies, and other small insects may be fed. Feed one small prey item every four days or feed one medium sized prey item once a week. (Note: If the female's abdomen is fairly small feed it a larger prey item; if it is still large then only one small prey item is necessary)
WARNING: Black Widows are highly venomous and a bite can cause severe pain at the site. If you feel lightheaded, sick, or have breathing difficulties go IMMEDIATELY to a hospital. Never handle this spider and always keep the lid locked.