that this photo could yield even a tentative ID. It shows so little of the body. This spider looked unusual; I'm sure I've never seen one before. It had a few prominent, well-defined yellow spots on its abdomen. Most images already on the S. grossa pages don't have those markings--they have either a plain dark abdomen or a differently marked one, with a transverse line--but I suppose the markings might vary.

I checked "male" because I think this photo shows a big palp partly hidden by the left front leg.

But yours has the typical male pattern. See close-up here:

that you could place it using such a partial view. I went out on a limb submitting this photo in the first place.

Have you read the info page (I'm sure you have)... The bite of this spider can produce symptoms that are similar, but much less severe than those of a black widow bite. In some cases blistering may form at the site of the bite along with physical discomfort that lasts for several days.

I've read that. I am so biased when it comes to this species that I don't like to mention that anymore, lol. Makes them seem more dangerous than they are. I can't even get one to bite me...and I really do try! So my "bit of a nasty bite" remark is rather partial to my love for these black beauts...and is no doubt a bit down-played. I probably should be more honest about it from now on.

@GW: I am going to try and get a picture (during my restless night) of a 51 day old S. grossa that I've reared that has the same markings (and same color) as yours does. (The color and patterning of yours is actually super common in the immatures and recently molted.) If yours was 5mm, then my 51 day-bee is a tad bit smaller at this point... but will demonstrate the similarities just fine, I think. I have lots of other captives, but besides all the spiderlings and immatures, the rest are more mature and are basically entirely purplish-black. Their patterning is not nearly as well-defined as what I'd like to show you. Also, the only reason I was 'iffy' about the gender was because at 5mm, if it is a male, everything, including the palps even if they've begun to swell, would be SO tiny...maybe even mistaken for female palps. But the biggest reason was just the body shape...which, in retrospect, isn't a good reason anyways since the spider's last meal, or two, can obviously alter the abdomen shape a little.

Oh, boy...sorry guys, it seems I'm rambling again. :) I'll go see if I can rouse the wee spider for a quick photo shoot.

...about taking that photo. I've just been busy with other random things, and when I try to get the little spider out to photograph it-- it doesn't want to cooperate. I need to get a drinking straw at a fast food joint or something, and use it to 'suck' it out of the jar. I've been wanting to make a pooter for a long time now, but haven't gone to the hardware store. Ah well, if anyone is interested this photo will come soon (I hope). :)

I finally got some photos. I had originally thought that my spider had a similar pattern to yours...and I guess it does, but just a less-mature version. Here are the photos I just submitted if you feel like looking: