Male vs female black widow spiders: How to tell them apart and why females dominate

Male and female black widow spiders may belong to the same species, but they are far from identical. From size and colour to behaviour and lifespan, these spiders display some of the most striking examples of sexual dimorphism in the animal world. The female black widow is well known for her glossy black body and bright red hourglass marking, a symbol of both beauty and danger. In contrast, the male is smaller, lighter in colour, and much less threatening in appearance. According to a study published in the BMC Ecology and Evolution journal , female black widows exhibit greater size, dominance, and mating control, traits linked to reproductive success and survival advantages. Understanding how these two differ not only reveals fascinating aspects of spider biology but also helps in safe