Latrodectus variolus

[BrianS]

Where I live we have 2 species of Latros, L mactans and L variolus. Both inhabit a different niche. L variolus seems to prefer more wooded locations makinging its web among the ground litter while L mactans seems to prefer more open rocky areas.

L variolus (adult female)
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/3105/mvc025s2qf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Latrodectus variolus (juvenile)
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1672/mvc001s1my.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Arachnophiles]

Interesting the alternate red/black 'striped' legs on the juvenile L.variolus. Is that something that fades gradually as they grow, or does it dissapear in a maturing moult? Also, do the adults have the same colour markings on the top of the abdomen?

[BrianS]

The colors of the young unfortunately fades as they mature. As far as the dorsal stipes/spots.....some will retain them as an adult while others will be jet black. L variolus has more tendancy to keep the red dorsal stripes than L mactans (at least here in Missouri)

[Tarantula]

nice pics.. I used to have this spider before.. really beautiful! especially as juveniels!

[Gigas]

that juvenile is amazing, reminds me of the hawain smiley face spiders

[Theraphosidae]

There seems to be a problem with the photographs :eusa_think: