Family Theridiidae - Cobweb or Comb-footed Spiders
A recent article said that Black Widows in our area were being displaced by Brown Widows. My personal observation has seen an increase in Brown Widows, but I have also seen the Black Widows in the same areas, sometimes on opposite sides underneath the same bench.
Everyone knows Black Widows by their reputations and red hour-glasses. I had one live outside my front door for over a year. I once found one in the door jamb of my car - I carefully relocated it. While they fascinate me, I always approach with caution. Males look quite different from females. See images.
Here is a good guide to telling black from brown.
http://cisr.ucr.edu/identifying_brown_widow_spiders.html
All images © Kim Moore (contact for use)
