You're WRONG About The Black Widow Spider

Here at MyWildBackyard we investigate the secrets of the natural world- secrets that can be hidden in our very own backyards! I want to share the incredible world of insects, spiders and other wildlife with you and inspire you to explore your curiosity. Get out there, and find your adventure!

For those who read the description- we've updated the channel! I'm working on adding more features to videos to better expand our conversations about the secrets we find in the natural world! Introducing the Creature Tier System! There are four rankings:
1. Staple - These are the lowest tier creatures. They are the most common species in a given habitat, and while they're not boring, they're really only exciting when you're exploring a new habitat and you haven't seen them before. Not something to write home about.
2. Neat - These are a step up from Staple. They don't make your entire day, but they are worth taking a closer look at when found. Definitely can be exciting to have a productive day finding many Neat species.
3. Wild - These are exciting to find. Whether they have interesting defensive features that offer a nice challenge in the field, are particularly cool looking, or maybe a little bit rare, Wild species aren't necessarily the MOST memorable of encounters, but they definitely make your day when you see them. An adventure featuring many Wild species will truly be memorable.
4. Gem - These are special. Usually involving extremely interesting biology and significant rarity, Gem species are animals that you really do not see every day. These species can make your whole adventure, and will be very memorable.

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

#blackwidow #spiders

[SilverFangAlchemist]

Black widows actually are the spider that cured my arachnophobia! I found a beautiful large female in February of this year and while she was so sluggish kept her in a small jar to look at up close.

She was so beautiful and docile I wanted to keep her for another day to continue observing.

Well, it's 6 months later, and I still haven't released her. She's in a bioactive terrarium specifically designed for arachnids. I've free handled her, and learned so much watching her, I'm planning to get more widows soon.

I can say with certainty watching my widow playing dead because I was cleaning the walls of her terrarium has pretty much disproven every tale I've heard about how aggressive these animals are.

[FriendlyKat]

The fact that you HELD a black widow in your hands which had the potential to send you to the hospital is insane. I figured some spider stories were enhanced. Such a beautiful creature.

[extofer]

If you have kids live in an area where black widows are in abundance it is very good to be cautious and clean your children’s toys on a regular basis - especially if they’re outside. Black widows may not be aggressive and are generally not deadly to healthy adults. But kids put their hands everywhere and the bite can be more serious to them. Just be aware.

[em]

Those have been living under my carport for over 20 years. Me and my kids never been bit. We leave them alone and they leave us alone. They're beautiful.

[skeeter]

Everything about the Black Widow just oozes badass. I think channels and videos like yours, just education in general is starting to finally make some headway. Seems like people aren't as scared to death of these creatures as like say even 5- 10 years ago. Keep it up, man. You're doing awesome! So glad I found this channel. It was good to see your live streaming had a lot more people this last time didn't it? You're blowing up! I really appreciated you taking the time to address as many people's questions as you did.

[sutherngirrl]

It's crazy to think there was a time that you were less than comfortable with arachnids. You're an old pro now while also helping the rest of us get a bit more at ease a little at a time. Thank you for all your work!

[paulc]

Their webs are strong enough to catch a bat. Which makes for some awesome natural Halloween decorations .

[Hyperion-]

One spider no one should handle is the brazilian wandering spider, it's aggressive and highly venomous. Good video spencer.

[johnbest]

Awesome vlog Spencer. Love your channel and what you do to show us all how these creatures are so misunderstood and really just want to be left alone and a bite is really upon accident. Keep up the awesome work Spencer and thank you so much.

[fordxbgtfalcon]

I’ve been bit several times by black widows and it’s never been more than a big red bump where it bit me.

[AngryBirds]

Dude! Thanks for killing my fear of spiders and making them seem more neutral to me!

[darthvipera]

Probably my second favourite spider 🖤❤ Right after Sydney Funnel Web. Sadly only have False Widows where I am, they're still gorgeous too though

[Ryan-ffdb]

I do masonry construction so basically brick and blocks in my yard are essentially apartment complexes for black widows. As such I have been bitten twice that I know of. The bite isn't particularly painful at all, although both times I knew I had been bitten. I was moving some rolled up soaker hoses and one got me pretty good, I didn't see it until it bit me. Basically, the bite area does get red or pinkish and it feels weird when you run your hand over your skin. After awhile you just feel kinda gross, sort of like a mild case of the flu. Had a little bit of muscle spasms which was the most concerning part but they were pretty minor so I didn't go to the doctor. Overall not a great experience, but I can't see anyone dying from one unless you have some severe allergy to the venom.

[ThePollaton]

A spider just wants to stay in its little corner and live its life. Leave it be and it will afford you the same courtesy. Beautiful 🕷

[goob]

Once again, such an informative and entertaining video.

[andywheeler]

Thank you for excellent content! These animals are so amazing. I just recently got one as a pet so it was so cool to see this.

[whatinthewild]

Love it! You're such a great presenter and have gotten real good at making videos. I really think you help so many overcome arachnophobia, and I hope to learn from you how to teach others the same! Thanks!

[deankilminster]

I have tons of brown widows around my house. I am a big fan of spiders. Black and Brown widows are plentiful in Georgia where I live. And so are eastern Diamond backs

[Sintaxx]

Dude, I love your videos so much! As soon as I saw the widow in the thumbnail, I knew you would be letting it crawl on you! I think the reason why this species is so chill is because *it can be.* I figure a few hundred thousand years of animals *avoiding* black widows would evolve it into a fairly docile animal.

[timegan]

I was scared of even the tiniest spiders when I grew up in England.
My mum couldn't believe that I then at 24 years old moved to Australia. A country renowned for its venomous critters.
I am not scared of spiders now but I hold a healthy respect for them.