Although it is tiny,the black widow is one of the scariest spiders in North America. Most people are not afraid at first, when they see this little black spider. that is, until they see the colored markings, shaped like an hourglass, on the spider's belly. these marks tell us this is not an ordinary spider. it is very dangerous
This spider is called a black widow because a "widow" is woman whose husband has died, and the female spider usually lives alone. And when they meet male spiders, female spiders sometimes kill and eat the males.
Fortunately, the black widow is not as deadly to human beings as it is to its own kind, and its insect prey. people usually don't die from a black widow usually only bites when it is threatened. for example,if someone does not realize there is spider on a chair, and sits on one by accident, the spider will bite.
however, it is still dangerous - the most poisonous spider in north america. its venom is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake's,and can cause very bad muscle and chest pains. the posison can also make it hard to breathe, as well as make you feel very sick.
the black widow