You find a spider hanging upside-down on a web with a shiny black body and a red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. Identify it:

The identification of the spider with a shiny black body and a distinct red hourglass shape on the underside of its abdomen points to the Black Widow spider. This spider is well-known for its characteristic coloration and marking, which are key identifiers.

Black Widow spiders are often recognized for their glossy black bodies, and the red hourglass marking is a classic feature that helps distinguish them from other spider species. This hourglass shape is typically more vibrant and conspicuous in females, who are larger than males and possess this notable marking.

The Brown recluse spider, while also dangerous, has a different coloration and features, including a violin-shaped marking on its back. The Funnel web spider is recognized by its funnel-shaped webs, and the Orb weaver spider is known for its diverse patterns and the circular shapes of its webs, none of which align with the characteristics of the Black Widow.

Therefore, based on the description provided, identifying the spider as a Black Widow is accurate and aligns with its distinct physical traits.