Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00008
Brown Widow
Latrodectus geometricus
Open this record in the interactive AtlasAbout Brown Widow
Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) belongs to Theridiidae in the order Araneae. Its recorded origin status is introduced.
Natural history and identification
The brown widow constructs a sheltered silk retreat and guards its egg sacs. A study of this species found that maternal attendance helps defend eggs against parasitoids. The retreat can incorporate dry vegetation and remains of prey. These observations explain a reproductive behavior of the species; they do not measure its abundance or parasitoid pressure on Kauaʻi.
Kauaʻi occurrence and evidence
Atlas occurrence category: Present. The Kauaʻi record is classified as “Present”. Its cited evidence source is iNaturalist Kauaʻi checklist.
Account coverage
Published species details have been added. A complete Kauaʻi-specific account of identification, habitat, feeding, reproduction, and population trend is not yet established by the sources linked here.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Latrodectus geometricus
- Common names
- Brown Widow
- Family
- Theridiidae
- Order
- Araneae
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Introduced
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) belongs to Theridiidae in the order Araneae. Its recorded origin status is introduced.