The Black Widow is probably the most venomous spider in the United States, their bite is sometimes fatal. The female Black Widow is about 12 mm in length and shining black with reddish marking on the underside or their bodies. This marking is shaped like an hour glass. Theses spiders get the name "Widow" from the fact that the mate is often killed by the female after mating. The black Widows are found under stones, around stumps, in holes in ground and masonry.

What to do in case of a Black Widow Spider bite:

• After being bitten by a black widow spider, the victim should be kept as warm and as quiet as possible.
• In order to prevent secondary infection, a reliable antiseptic, such as merthiolate, should be dabbed on the wound at once.
• Cold water, or ice of obtainable, should then be applied to the wound area immediately.
• If violent muscular spasms occur before medical aid can be obtained, the limb should be immersed in hot water. If immersion is not feasible owing to the location of the bite or the absence of a suitable utensil, warm applications should be used instead - hot, moist bath towels are good.
• If no physician is nearby, prompt removal of the patient to a doctor or hospital is advisable in order that additional treatment can be given for shock and pain.
• A liberal intake of fluids should be encouraged.
• Morphine or morphine derivatives (codeine, etc,) should not be taken.
• Other first aid measures are of little value because the effects of the venom seem to be little short of instantaneous.