Black Widow

Was picking some rocks in the new pasture (I am rich in rocks!  Want some?  Free for all!) and came across this fella (gal?). Glad I was wearing gloves!  

Looks like this one got a bit squashed, but I imagine there are plenty more where it came from. Interestingly, in addition to the expected flying insects, they apparently can eat toads, lizards, and mice if they can slow them down enough in their web to bite them. Apparently pack quite the venomous bite.

I'd love to have all your rocks that are 6" long, x" wide, and 2 to 3" thick!  Are you coming to Wheaton Labs soon?   :]

The rocks are free, but I run a ‘you pick’ operation here!  Any rocks in the pasture you want, as long as you come get ‘em!  ;)

I've seen about four living around the yard this spring. I've been debating whether to leave them be for a few weeks, but last night I found one in the house. The odds of me being bitten are slim, but I am concerned about my dog. One web has eggs, I will definitely remove them. I believe they are about the fourth deadliest spider there is.