Black Lace-Weaver

The Black Lace-Weaver (Amaurobius ferox), is a nocturnal spider in the family Amaurobiidae. Although it was formerly only found in Europe, it is now also common in Illinois, all of North America, and New Zealand. It usually grows in damp, dark places like basements or under rocks or logs. Male black lace weavers are 8 to 10 millimeters long, compared to the 11 to 16 millimeters that the females are. Their bodies have a primarily black appearance, although they can also have dark red or brown areas. They have spherical abdomens with pale yellow patterns that occasionally resemble a skull.

The lace-like webs give black lace weavers their name. Their webs are comprised of incredibly sticky, thin, woolly silk that is excellent for catching creatures. They have been known to bite people, the effects of which are equatable to a mild wasp sting.