Description
The Latrodectus variolus, commonly known as the Northern Black Widow Spider, is a fascinating and hardy true spider species native to eastern North America. This distinctive widow spider displays glossy black coloration with a characteristic red hourglass marking that is often broken into two separate triangles, plus a row of red spots along the dorsal midline of the abdomen, creating a unique appearance among widow species.
Native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, this species reaches a body length of approximately 0.5 inches with a leg span of 1–2 inches at maturity. Known for its cold tolerance, beautiful web-building behavior, and distinctive marking pattern, the Northern Black Widow is a prized specimen for experienced keepers who appreciate hardy North American true spiders with unique natural history and adaptability to cooler climates.
Key Features:
- Glossy black coloration with broken hourglass and dorsal red spots
- Hardy species with excellent cold tolerance
- Beautiful cobweb-building behavior
- Small to medium size with distinctive appearance
- Adaptable to cooler temperatures than other widows
- Medically significant species – advanced keepers only
- Advanced care level required
- Live arrival guarantee with safe, discreet shipping
Perfect for experienced keepers seeking a hardy widow species with unique markings and cold tolerance. Each specimen is ethically sourced and comes with comprehensive care information. Note: This is a medically significant species and should only be kept by experienced keepers with proper safety protocols.


