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Continue ShoppingLatrodectus hesperus- Western Black Widow- Female
- $39.99
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At a glance
- Keeper level
- Advanced
- Lifestyle
- Web-dwelling (Theridiid cobweb)
- Adult size
- ~1.5 inch leg span (female)
- Temperament
- Iconic and instantly recognizable. A display-only species with markings that make it one of the most talked-about in the hobby.
Keeper notes
Best appreciated as a display species — observe through the enclosure and enjoy the show. Use long feeding tongs for prey delivery and routine maintenance. Not a handling species.
About this species
- Scientific Name
- Latrodectus hesperus
- Common Name
- Western Black Widow
- World Type
- New World
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Origin
- Western North America (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and adjacent states)
- Habitat
- Scrubland, desert margins, urban environments, sheltered ground-level spaces
- Display Appeal
- High
Highlights
Healthy, active, and shipped with care
Native range: North America
Adult size: 1.5 inches body
Keeper level: Advanced
Terrestrial — disturbed habitat / woodpiles / rock piles
Display appeal: High
Species profile
Latrodectus hesperus — commonly known as the Western Black Widow — is a New World terrestrial species with a natural range spanning North America. In ideal conditions, adults reach a legspan of 1.5 inches body, displaying the full coloration and presence this species is prized for in the hobby. Maintain temperatures of 70–82°F with 40–60% relative humidity and this animal will reward you with years of reliable display and fascinating behavior.
Listing details
These are field collected Black Widows from the deserts of Southwest USA.
Picture by NV
Care guidance
Keep in a spacious terrestrial enclosure with ample floor area. Maintain 70–82°F and 40–60% humidity. Provide small enclosure with web anchor at least 3–4 inches deep with a secure hide and a shallow water dish — consistency in these basics is the key to a thriving specimen.