largest Latrodectus?

[P. Novak]

i was just wondering what is the largest Black widow spider(Latrodectus) and how big can it get?

 

[Venom]

Latrodectus hesperus ( the western widow ) is the largest. I've heard from another member on this board of 3 - 4 inchers being found out west in the desert, although I can't confirm/ vouch for this. L. hesperus are probably capable of at least 2.5"

 

[cacoseraph]

Latrodectus hesperus ( the western widow ) is the largest. I've heard from another member on this board of 3 - 4 inchers being found out west in the desert, although I can't confirm/ vouch for this. L. hesperus are probably capable of at least 2.5"

i've seen a number 3" diagonal leg span L. hesperus

pretty impressive little beasts

i'll try to get pics of a big one next time i see one

 

[P. Novak]

oh alright so ya there should be some big ones around here, i remember when i was about 10 we went on a fishing trip to.....dam i forgot the lakes name, but when my dad and i went to go wash the fish in those neat little fish washing sinks, undearneath was a HUGE Blackwidow, it must of been 3.5" LS atleast. there was also a yellow jackets nest undearneath it too. the BW had about 20 Yellow jackets in its web and was wrapping a couple and eating a couple. i couldnt believe. that is why i was asking whats the biggest BW. thanks guys.

 

[JPD]

The largest Latrodectus is L.tadzhicus, (some believe it is the same as L.dahli).
I have had some L.tredecimguttatus that have gotten pretty massive. But if you are strictly talking North American then, as Venom stated, L.hesperus.

 

[Venom]

Tadzhicus? I've never even heard of that one. Where's it from?