Shiny black spider has a rounded, bulbous abdomen. Most species display red or orange spots or an hourglass marking on the abdomen. Severe bites can cause respiratory failure and death. Frequently encountered in debris piles, outhouses, and in dark corners of buildings. Active at night, most bites occur during the day when a person disturbs a spider’s resting place. Bite will originally feel like a pin prick which turns into a dull ache with 30 minutes.