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Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)
Photo#34225
Copyright © 2005
Lynette Schimming
Southern Black Widow -
Latrodectus mactans
-
Fort Bragg, Cumberland County, North Carolina, USA
October 9, 2005
Images of this individual:
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Contributed by
Lynette Schimming
on 10 October, 2005 - 10:01am
Last updated 27 December, 2008 - 1:01pm
Nice Images!
I would agree with you... this looks like an adult male Southern Black Widow (
L. mactans
), and he's looking for love!
…
Christopher Hunt
, 10 October, 2005 - 3:08pm
Thanks
This is an adult?
…
Lynette Schimming
, 10 October, 2005 - 3:33pm
Adult? Yes
When a male spider reaches full maturity, and is capable (and ready) to mate, his pedipalps will swell. Before reaching maturity, the pedipalps will remain small, which makes gender determination on immatures very difficult. :)
Your spider is definitely ready to mate. A mature male spins a small “sperm web” and deposits a small quantity of semen on it. He then charges his palps with the sperm, abandons his habitat, and spends considerable effort to locate a female of his species.
…
Christopher Hunt
, 10 October, 2005 - 3:38pm
Widow!!
Nice shot Lynette.
…
tom murray
, 10 October, 2005 - 10:50am
