The black widow spider is a small, glossy black spider known for its distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. Found primarily in the United States, these spiders prefer dark, sheltered areas such as woodpiles, sheds, and basements. They are most active at night and are known for their web-building skills. While the bite of a black widow spider can be dangerous, it is rarely fatal to healthy adults. Symptoms may include severe pain, muscle cramps, and nausea. Antivenom is available for severe cases, but most bites can be treated effectively with medical care.