Black Widow Pic

[Heather]

I have this little lady labeled as... Lactrodectus mactans. She was found in western Kansas.

Is is correct?

I would appreciate any corrections if needed! Thanks!

 

[KUJordan]

Yep, you're right about the ID. You can tell by the heaviness and slight rounding of the posterior end of the hourglass. If it was variolus, it would be broken and if it was hesperus, all 4 corners of the 'glass would be very sharp. I'm not sure that hesperus has even been found in Kansas, so that also makes mactans the only possibility out there.