The Black Widow is easily identifiable by the distinctive red markings on its stomach. The large widow spider is found throughout the world and commonly associated with urban habitats or agricultural areas. The Black Widow's venom is 15 times more potent than a rattlesnake's.

Recently its relative, the false widow, struck a grandmother in Cumbria sending her into a coma. However the usual results aren't as strong. The false widow is one of 12 UK spider species known to attack humans.