Kukulcania arizonica?

[Dovey]

Two of my students just rescued this little critter from the corral in the middle of a torrential downpour and brought it into my office. We are outside of West Sedona, AZ, and the summer monsoon has definitely arrived! Arizona Black Hole Spider? Is it a male or a female that needs a meal?

Sorry about the drops of water...it didn't want to let me dry it off, not surprisingly! Poor thing was half-drowned. It's as black and velvety as can be. Pretty little specimen, though soggy at present.

 

[Ungoliant]

Arizona Black Hole Spider? Is it a male or a female that needs a meal?

That is definitely a Kukulcania, but there are several species in the southwestern U.S., and it's impossible to distinguish them in photos.

It's not a mature male -- the sex can't be determined from this image, especially without knowing the size of the specimen. Despite being flooded out of its home, it looks like it could use a drink. You can place a drop of water next to it in the container.

If you want to keep it, they are very easy to care for. If not, please release it in a sheltered area so that it can build a new web. It will return the favor by eating lots of bugs during its unusually long life.

 

[Dovey]

Oh, I found it some higher ground around the corral. Too many bugs have sprung out since the monsoon set in...need all the predators we can get! Thanks so much for the response. I appreciate it.