Spider ID please?

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adansmommy Ragley, LA Sep 24, 2009

I found this guy (or girl) hiding under some outdoor play equipment. It looks like a black widow, only backward :) Anyone know what it is? I live in Southern Louisiana.

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adansmommy Ragley, LA Sep 24, 2009

Another view

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adansmommy Ragley, LA Sep 24, 2009

And another view

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Sep 25, 2009

This is a widow spider (Latrodectus sp.); some do have red markings on their back as well as on their belly - see http://tinyurl.com/dxu5bo for an example.

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adansmommy Ragley, LA Sep 25, 2009

WOW! Very interesting!! Is it a 'black widow' or another type of widow? This particular one didn't have red on it's belly as well, just on it's back.
Are they dangerous to kids and pets? I know they have a painful bite, and am keeping the kiddos away from that area, but should it just be re-homed, or should I destroy it? (I hate killing any thing, except mosquitoes LOL)

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Sep 25, 2009

All spiders in the genus Latrodectus have potent venom and should be treated with caution; if it is in an area where contact with children and/or pets is likely, I suggest carefully relocating it to another area. They are not aggressive, but may bite if picked up or pressed against.

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