In the summer of 2010 I caught a juvenile female northern black widow spider (Latrodectus variolus). Since then it has reached full size and has had NO CONTACT with any other spiders (I am certain of this). Yet two days ago I found it guarding an egg sac.

Are the eggs simply not viable?
Could it have mated as a juvenile?
Are there cases of parthenogenesis in Latrodectus variolus?

I am very curious as to what is going on, any thoughts or references would be much appreciated!!

Thanks.
Mike

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