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The black widow spider is a venomous arachnid found within the larger family of spiders. As an arachnid, it shares characteristics with other arachnids such as having eight legs and two body segments, but what sets this species apart is its distinctive coloration and venom potency. The black widow spider has a glossy black body with a red hourglass shape on the underside of its abdomen, making it easily identifiable. The female black widow spider tends to be larger than the male and is known for being highly venomous, though males can also deliver venom through their bite. The black widow spider's venom is neurotoxic, causing muscle cramps, stiffness, and pain in humans. However, fatalities resulting from a black widow spider bite are rare due to medical advancements. Black widow spiders spin irregularly shaped webs with sticky silk that they use to trap their prey. They tend to prefer dark, secluded areas such as woodpiles, hollow tree stumps, and crawl spaces, which makes them a common pest in some regions. In the hierarchy of animals, arachnids, venomous animals, mouse spiders, and spiders, the black widow spider falls under the broader category of spiders. Its distinctive features, such as its coloration, neurotoxic venom, and web-spinning abilities, make it a fascinating subcategory within the family of spiders.