REDBACK IN THE US?

[CandyCane]

I recently have tried overcoming my fear of spiders by catching and releasing rather than killing. I've had a few spiders in a jar I've been researching and don't worry, they're being fed. However, I caught one and the only thing I can find it closely resembles is a redback. It's not a black widow, so I'm confused.

 

[gzophia]

Hello! It's great to hear that you're doing catch and release to help get over your fear.

By "redback," do you mean Latrodectus hasselti? Scientific names are always helpful!
That species is quite venomous, but is not native to the US. Therefore, I do not think your specimen is one.

Do you think you could attach a photo?

 

[CandyCane]

Hello! It's great to hear that you're doing catch and release to help get over your fear.

By "redback," do you mean Latrodectus hasselti? Scientific names are always helpful!
That species is quite venomous, but is not native to the US. Therefore, I do not think your specimen is one.

Do you think you could attach a photo?

Yes that is what I mean, sorry. I'm still learning. I did catch a photo, it's not the best because it's through the jar but here it is!

 

[gzophia]

Yes that is what I mean, sorry. I'm still learning. I did catch a photo, it's not the best because it's through the jar but here it is!

It's alright, don't worry! That definitely looks like some kind of widow to me (Latrodectus sp.). Looks pretty thin for a specimen too.
I don't think it's a redback given the range; there are plenty of widows in Arkansas that look like that. Hopefully someone more experienced can chime in!

 

[Tarantuland]

Most likely Latrodectus variolus imo

 

[CandyCane]

Most likely Latrodectus variolus imo

I do think you are right; I just did my best to look at its abdomen and there does appear to be something of a red spot on it. Obviously, an hourglass more than likely but wow, thank you.

 

[Godsmack1934]

Based on that picture it looks like either a young southern black widow or a northern black widow.

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

@darkness975

 

[darkness975]

Yes that is what I mean, sorry. I'm still learning. I did catch a photo, it's not the best because it's through the jar but here it is!

Latrodectus mactans - southern black widow.

An underfed and/or dehydrated one at that.

 

[Godsmack1934]

Latrodectus mactans - southern black widow.

An underfed and/or dehydrated one at that.

I agree that it looks really underfed.

 

[viper69]

Latrodectus no doubt