Spider identification (black widow??)?

Question

I found a spider in my basement. It was a small black spider. The normal ones are just house spiders not black ones. I took a closer look and noticed markings on its back. It has a shape like a black widow but the markings on its back were a dull yellow color not red. I did some research. I didn't want to kill a spider that wouldn't hurt me and then decided to spray it down with some raid ant and roach killer. It worked alright and within a few minutes it was dead. I then took a magnifying glass to it.

I'd say it looks a lot like the spider in this picture but the markings were not red but yellow. It has the same colored legs and body style.

Any ideas? I plan on getting it preserved. I have it frozen for now. It has lost a little of its color but it's not drying out any.

Ideas? Was this a widow. I live in Michigan if it is any help. I've heard they are common up here but not seen too often.

daniel g · Answer

First, your photo is that of a black widow. Juvenile and some species may have patterns on the top of the abdomen, the key to the widow is the red or orange hourglass pattern on the bottom of the abdomen, irregardless of colors or patterns on the top.
Without this, your spider is likely one of the Steatoda genus. A harmless spider called false widows.
Here is a pet western black widow, and the red hourglass pattern is visible:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32083154@N02/3965620571/

Anonymous · Answer

ur dumb

skylar · Answer

Black widows have a hourglass shape on theyre back that is red. Thats what i think. Maby it can be other colors.

Danny · Answer

They can be found in Michigan and their colored markings can be red, yellow or white.

Spider identification (black widow??)?

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