Brown widow can be distinguished by an orange, rather than red hourglass pattern on the bottom of the abdomen. I would not go so far as to say the brown widow is harmless, but statistically, their bite is not as severe as the black widow. They are all in the same genus, and likely produce a similar venom, but likely the brown widow does not deliver the dosage as the black widow.
I don't recommend handling them, But some people that have handled them have not reported bites:
It sounds like you are describing brown widows. Brown widows are related to black widows but are considered less dangerous and less venomous that their black widow cousins. The black widow's venom is much more potent and can cause issues and can cause death...although rarely. That said, any spider bite can cause irritation and infection.
I live by a lake and I see these brown spiders come out at night by the docks.. They have hourglasses. Are these brown widows? What if I got bit? Which one is worse to get bit by? Black widow or Brown widow?
