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Latrodectus mactans
A highly venomous species of spider in the genus Latrodectus. They are well known for the distinctive black and red coloring of the female of the species and for the fact that she will occasionally eat her mate after reproduction.
I've posted this as Latrodectus mactans due to the location I discovered it. Please let me know if its a different species.
Spotted on Apr 7, 2012
Submitted on Apr 8, 2012
3 Comments
This was one of two. The first was nestled in the water spout which is rarely used in the backyard and the one pictured was behind old planter box liner I removed from front yard. These plus small snake equaled an interesting day of yard work.
Eeeeeek
Amazing photos! (and that's coming from an arachniphobe!)