The Latrodectus

Theridiidae

Black widow spiders are typically found in temperate regions around

the world, including North and South America, Europe, and Asia. They
often inhabit dark, sheltered areas such as woodpiles, debris, and rock
crevices. Black widow spiders are known for their distinct red
hourglass marking on their abdomen, which is a warning signal to
predators.

Breeding for black widow spiders typically occurs in the warmer

months of the year, with females laying up to 400 eggs in a single egg
sac. After hatching, the spiderlings undergo several moults before
reaching adulthood, which can take several months.

The scientific name for the black widow spider is Latrodectus mactans,
which belongs to the family Theridiidae. These spiders are venomous,
with the females being more dangerous than the males due to their
larger size and more potent venom. While their venom can be harmful
to humans, black widow spiders generally only bite in self-defense and
will only do so if they feel threatened.

An Encounter With a Black Widow Spider | The New York Times