Of the hundreds of species found in Kentucky, only the black widow and brown recluse are dangerous. Fortunately, both are relatively uncommon, and have markings which can be used to distinguish them from other non-threatening species. Black Widow Spider USDA Insect and Plant Disease Slide Set Of the spiders capable of inflicting a poisonous bite, black widows are the most notorious. In some varieties the hourglass mark may be reduced to two separate spots. Spiderlings and male spiders are smaller than the females and have several red dots on the abdomen s upper side.
Widow spiders belong to the cobweb spider family and spin loosely organized trap webs.
The webs are usually found under objects such as rocks and ground trash or under an overhanging embankment. Black widow spiders are not as common in homes as the brown recluse. When found in homes, they are usually under appliances or heavy furniture and not out in the open like other cobweb spiders. Black widow spiders are timid, however, and will only bite in response to being injured. People are usually bitten when they reach under furniture or lift objects under which a spider is hiding.