Black and red spiders may be found in a variety of shapes and sizes throughout your home. The black widow spider is the most common kind of black spider with red markings. Jumping spiders, orb-weaver spiders, and dwarf spiders are all black and red spiders that can be found.
It’s crucial to identify the different species of red or black spiders. Venomous spiders come in a variety of colors, from black to red.
This page contains everything you need to know about identifying black and red spiders. You’ll discover red-backed black spiders, black spiders with red or orange legs, and huge black spiders with crimson heads among the several types.
Facts About Black and Red Spiders
Black and red spiders belong to the order Araneae and animal class Arachnida, both of which are arthropods. Spiders have eight legs for walking and a pair of pedipalps that resemble two extra front legs, unlike insects with three pairs of legs. A cephalothorax at the front and an abdomen at the back make up a spider’s body.
The cephalothorax is connected to eight legs of a spider. The brilliant red dots or hourglass markings ward off predators, along with several poisonous red and black spiders. The venomous spider’s abdomen may have a black body with vibrant red markings on either side. On their abdomen, black jumping spiders might have dark orange or crimson dots.
Spiders spin webs of all colors and red. The spider webs’ origins, on the other hand, differ between species. To catch prey, such as beetles, flies, and grasshoppers, the black widow creates a tangled mess of sticky webs. Web-based egg laying or concealment is used by black and red jumping spiders.
Venomous bites are common in various types of red and black spiders. The black widow, on the other hand, is the most terrifying of these dark-colored spiders. A severe headache, redness, and localized swelling may occur as a result of a black widow bite. Where its fangs pierced the skin, you may even see two marks. As a result, if you have been bitten by a black widow, seek medical treatment immediately.
How to Identify Black and Red Spiders
Look for the distinctive shape of the red markings and abdomen form to identify the species of black and red spiders. Vibrant red or orange patterns may be seen on certain poisonous black widows, for example. The particular form of the arachnid species may be identified using this information. In addition, spider identification is aided by the kind of legs and the presence of spiny hairs.
Types of Black and Red (or Dark Orange) Spiders (with Pictures)
The various identifying characteristics of common black and red or black and dark orange spiders are discussed in further detail below.
Widow Spiders (Latrodectus)
The widow spiders, a diverse group of venomous spiders with black bodies and red patterns, make up a big genus. A lustrous brown or black spherical abdomen is common to widow spiders. The undersurface of the abdomen of female widow spiders is crimson or dark orange. Male widow spiders, on the other hand, have red and white patterns on the top side of their bodies.
It’s worth noting that not all widow spiders are crimson and black. Brown widow spiders are common, and brown biting spiders are simple to mistake with brown recluse spiders. Black widows may be found hiding in dark corners in houses on occasion. Indoors, under woodpiles, shrubbery, and garden furniture, they are more commonly found.
Southern black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans)
A black cobweb spider with the crimson hourglass pattern on its belly underneath is called a southern black widow spider. The abdomen of this poisonous spider is round and full, with lengthy legs. Except for the legs, southern black widow spiders reach 0.3″ to 0.5″ (8 to 13 mm) in length.
Female black widows in the South are generally bigger than males. Moreover, at the base of the abdomen of certain black female spiders, there is a red or orange patch. The black widow or show-button spider is a common name for this spider species. Black widow spider stings may cause tremendous discomfort, inflammation, and redness in addition to being poisonous.
Black and red spider identification: A bright red hourglass mark on a glossy black spherical body distinguishes a southern black widow.
Northern black widow spider (Latrodectus variolus)
A black glossy body and red or dark orange dots on the rear (left) distinguish the northern black widow spider. The northern black widow spider has a glossy black body with three or more dark orange or red dots on its back, and it has two red dots (right). The spider’s black legs are also rather lengthy, with dark orange stripes on them from time to time. Northern black widows’ abdomens have distinctive white stripes, as do juvenile females.
The average size of a northern black widow is 0.5 inch (13 mm). This black widow spider, on the other hand, may grow to be 1.5″ (38 mm) long with its black and orange legs. Northern black widows look different from southern black widows due to the presence of crimson abdominal markings. The hourglass pattern on the northern black widow, for example, resembles dots or two separate ‘V’ forms, which is broken.
Black and red spider identification: The line of vivid red dots along the middle of the bright, bulbous abdomen is a northern black widow spider’s identifying characteristic.
Mediterranean black widow spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus)
The black and red/dark orange patternings on the Mediterranean black widow spider’s abdomen are edged in white. It has long legs. The red or orange marks on the black widow are usually white edged. The species’ spiders, on the other hand, have orange or yellow stripes on their black bodies. These venomous black widows range in size from 0.28 to 0.6 inches (7 to 15 mm). The Mediterranean black widow has long legs when compared to its black and red body, as seen in photos. In addition, the shiny black legs appear to be dark orange or light brown in color at the tips.
Black and red or orange spider identification: The numerous red or orange markings on a Mediterranean black widow’s rounded, bulbous abdomen will help you identify it.
Brown black widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus)
The brown black widow spider has a dark brown to black body with a vivid orange hourglass marking on its underside. It has a dark striped back and a light orange hourglass mark. Grayish or tan-colored stripes run down the back of this dark-colored spider. The spider’s cream-white and brown striped legs are another distinguishing characteristic.
The brown black widow spider is 0.47 to 0.6 inches (12 to 16 mm) long. Brown black spiders weave tangle webs, like other widow spiders, to catch prey. The bite of a brown black widow spider, on the other hand, is not poisonous in comparison to black widow spiders. Instead, a bee sting is comparable to the bite. Geometric button spider, gray widow, brown widow, and brown button spider are some of the other names for Latrodectus geometricus.
Black and orange spider identification: The dark brown or black abdomen with orange markings and a striped back distinguishes the brown widow spider from other spiders.
Red widow spider (Latrodectus bishopi)
The orange head and legs, as well as the crimson spots on its black body, distinguish it from other red widow spiders. The crimson widow’s dark orange cephalothorax and long pointed crimson legs are both unusual characteristics. The leg span of red widows is 2″ (5 cm) and they are 0.5″ (13 mm) long. The red widow spider lives on sand dunes in Florida. Although it is a venomous spider, it has never bitten a human, and there are no known cases of the spider biting people.
Black and orange spider identification: Due to their crimson-orange cephalothorax and glossy black abdomen, red widow spiders are simple to distinguish. On its abdomen, look for the red dots surrounded by yellow.
Black and Red Jumping Spiders (Phidippus)
Jumping spiders have eight eyes, hairy bodies, and legs, as well as distinguishing markings on their abdomens. They are native North American spiders. Depending on the species, the orange, yellow, or white spotted patterns on black spiders are common. Jumping spiders’ green iridescent jaws are another identifying characteristic.
Jumping spiders are frequently mistaken for tarantulas due to their large body, spiny appearance, and thick legs. The two large central eyes, fuzzy legs, and ability to jump are all characteristics of most jumping spiders species. Jumping spiders are also far smaller than their cousins and do not pose any danger to people.
Red-backed jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni)
The red-backed jumping spider has a black cephalothorax and an orange-red belly, with females (left) and males (right). A black abdominal stripe distinguishes the female red-backed jumping spider. These black and orange spiders average 0.35 to 0.55 inches (9 to 14 mm) in length. As a result, this spider is classified as a large jumping spider.
A tubular web-spinning spider called the red-backed jumping spider. The silken nest of the black and red hairy spider is where it hides and lays eggs. These spiders are relatively harmless to humans and make excellent pets, despite their frightening appearance and potential bite.
The body of red-backed spiders is covered in large black and white spines, as seen in photographs. The reddish abdomen and black stripe on males distinguish them from female red-backed jumping spiders. The abdomen of male red-backed spiders is crimson and rounded, resembling a strawberry. Two red streaks on the margins and a black stripe in the middle distinguish females from males.
Black and red spider identification: The vividly colored red abdomen, black head, and hairy black legs distinguish the red-backed jumping spider.
Apache jumping spider (Phidippus apacheanus)
This black and red hairy apache spider is a species of jumping spider that can be found in the United States. Female (left) and male (right) The cephalothorax and abdomen of the jumping spider are fuzzy red. It has no front legs, only back ones. The females are bigger than the males and have a crimson stripe down their crimson belly, similar to other red and black jumping spiders. Except for the length of the glossy black legs, female Apache jumping spiders reach a maximum length of 0.86″ (22 mm).
Black and red spider identification: The brightly colored orange-red and black abdomen and cephalothorax of the Apache jumping spider distinguish it.
Cardinal jumper (Phidippus cardinalis)
The cardinal jumper is a tiny red spider with black hairy legs. It has a red-orange fuzzy body. The black hairy legs, fuzzy orangey-red body, and two prominent eyes on the front of its cephalothorax are all identifying features of this colorful spider. Cardinal jumping spiders are about 0.4 inches (10 millimeters) long. Mutillid wasps, also known as velvet ants, are mimicked by Cardinal jumper spiders. These spiders, unlike wasps, do not sting.
Black and orange spider identification: The fuzzy orange body and black legs of cardinal jumper spiders distinguish them.
Whitman’s jumping spider (Phidippus whitmani)
Male Whitman’s jumping spider has white hairy legs and a dark red cephalothorax with a grayish-black abdomen. The legs of the black and red spider are covered in white setae (soft, thin spurs), giving it a gray and red color. The little red spider is just 0.4 inches (10 mm) long and can be found in the webs.
Black and red spider identification: The bright red top, gray-black underside, and grayish fuzzy legs are all characteristics of Whitman’s jumping spider.
Bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax)
The bold jumping spider has striped hairy legs and a lustrous black body with three prominent orange-red marks. The two front legs of the tiny black and red spiders are particularly large, with spiny black and white legs. The average length of a bold jumping spider is 0.43″ (11 mm).
Black and red spider identification: The three bright orange or red dots on the spiny abdomen, orange stripe between the belly and cephalothorax, and black and white legs distinguish a bold jumping spider.
Black and Red Orb-Weavers (Araneidae)
A species of spiny-backed orb-weaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) has a unusual form with red, black, and white coloring. The circular webs spun by orb weavers to capture their prey earned them the name.
The spiny-backed orb-weaver (One of the more unusual black and red spiders is Gasteracantha cancriformis. The spider has six prominent red spines, black dots, and black legs. It has a distinctive wide, oval white abdomen. Crab spiders are another name for these odd-looking spiders that look like crabs. 0.35″ (9 mm) broad and 0.5″ (13 mm) broad are the dimensions of black and red orb-weavers.
Black and red spider identification: The white, red, and black body of spiny-backed orb-weavers is readily recognized. The spider’s distinguishing feature is the six red spines on its back.
Other Types of Black and Red Spiders
Several species of spiders are classified as black and red spiders, and they belong to approximately 130 spider families.
Red-headed mouse spider (Missulena occatoria)
The male red-headed mouse spider has a dark red cephalothorax and a smooth, glossy blue-black body. Native to Australia, red-headed mouse spiders are very venomous. The red-headed mouse spider has two huge bright red jaws, according to photographs. This black and red spider is 0.47 inch (12 mm) in size. The male and female red-headed mouse spider species look nothing alike. A glossy black spider with a huge brown bulbous abdomen, the female species is a glossy black spider.
Black and red spider identification: Because of its blue-black body, bright red jaws, and shiny red head, the red-headed mouse spider is easy to identify.
Dwarf Spider (Hypselistes florens)
The hypselistes florens is a black and reddish-orange dwarf spider with spindly brown legs that is distinguished by its orange-reddish head and rounded black abdomen. The spider’s rounded glossy ball-like abdomen appears bigger than the head, and it is orange-red and black. This spider has a humorous appearance due to its orange head with four black eyes. You’ll only be able to see the spider’s strange characteristics with a magnifying glass because it measures just 0.11″ (3 mm).
Black and red spider identification: A dark orange body, orange and brown legs, and an enormous egg-shaped abdomen distinguish the dwarf spider Hypselistes florens.
Blacktailed red sheetweaver (Florinda coccinea)
The blacktailed red sheetweaver is a dwarf spider with a reddish-brown body, slender black legs, and a black spinneret at the end of its tail. It has a reddish-brown coloration. The red sheetweaver, like other dwarf spiders, is tiny, measuring just 0.16 inch (4 mm) in length.
Eight eyes in two rows, two on top and six on the bottom row, can be seen up close in images of the dwarf spider. Red grass spiders are another name for blacktailed red sheetwearvers. In lawns and grasslands throughout Florida and the southeastern United States, red and black spiders are common.
Black and red spider identification: The dark red elongated abdomen, black tail, and thin black legs of the blacktailed red sheetweaver help to identify it.
Red-legged purseweb spider (Sphodros rufipes)
The red-legged purseweb spider features a huge black head, a smaller abdomen, and orange-red legs. In comparison to its bulbous egg-shaped abdomen, this robust black and red spider has a big head. The dark red to brilliant red legs, which have a transparent look, are some other distinguishing features. Red-legged purseweb spiders may reach a length of 1 inch (25 mm). The spider traps its victim in a tunnel-like web that it creates. Red-legged purseweb spiders are generally found in their webbed prison.
Black and red spider identification: Its jet black body, large black fanged jaws, and brownish-red legs distinguish the red-legged purseweb spider.