Black Widow Spider

Description:

Most likely a Southern Black Widow, from the small red spot (duh, and from its location in the Smoky Mountain area of Tennessee...). Extremely shiny black spider. Didn't see the underside, but there's a bright red spot on the back of the abdomen.

Habitat:

Woodlands, on a fence near the house. No web. This specimen must be fairly young, as its body in only about 1/4- to 3/8-inch long.

Notes:

I've seen larger black widows under houses and well housings, but they're startling to see when you're about to open a fence and the spider is right where you're about to put your hand!