Spiders

Five species of venomous spiders occur in Florida: the southern black widow, northern black widow, red widow, brown widow and brown recluse. The four species of widow spiders are very similar in shape. All are about 1 1/2” long with legs ex-tended. Their life cycle is also similar. The female lays about 250 eggs in a pear-shaped egg sac that is about 1/2” to 5/8” in diameter. The eggs hatch in about 20 days. As the young spiders mature, they construct a loosely woven web and capture progressively larger prey. In Florida, all the widows except the northern black widow breed year round.

Anyone bitten by a spider should preserve it in rubbing alcohol for positive identification. Most spider bites are not considered dangerous, but if you suspect one of the widow or brown recluse spiders, get medical attention immediately.