Latrodectus mactans, or Soothren black widow or simply black widow, is a heichly venomous species o speeder in the genus Latrodectus. Thay are well kent for the distinctive black an reid colorin o the female o the species an for the fact that she will occasionally eat her mate efter reproduction. The species is native tae North Americae. The venom is seldom fatal tae healthy humans.