The Schwarze Witwe, or Black Widow, is a species of spider known for its glossy black body and distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. Found primarily in warm regions, these spiders prefer dark, sheltered areas such as woodpiles and basements. They are known for their potent venom, which they use to subdue their prey, primarily insects. Despite their fearsome reputation, Black Widow bites are rare and usually occur when the spider is provoked. Symptoms of a bite can include pain, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, medical attention may be required. However, fatalities are extremely uncommon.