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Latrodectus mactans
The Southern black widow, is a highly venomous species of spider in the genus Latrodectus. They are well known for the distinctive black and red coloring of the female of the species and for the fact that she will occasionally eat her mate after reproduction. The species is native to the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. The venom is seldom fatal to healthy humans, and less than one percent of bitten people die.
Under a rock in a friend's yard.
Spotted on Feb 1, 2012
Submitted on Feb 1, 2012
6 Comments
Added to new Spiders of Tennessee mission - http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/9135...
Thanks Carol! He was really tiny & completely immobile so not scary at all - but you can see I did leave a gap between him & my finger just in case!
Excellent! Scary!
Wikipedia states only the females of this species are black & red. This is incorrect so I have added a link to bugguide that shows photos of a pair mating, both with this coloration.
From http://www.emedicinehealth.com
The black widow spider produces a protein venom that affects the victim's nervous system. This neurotoxic protein is one of the most potent venoms secreted by an animal. Some people are slightly affected by the venom, but others may have a severe response. The first symptom is acute pain at the site of the bite, although there may only be a minimal local reaction. Symptoms usually start within 20 minutes to one hour after the bite.
Local pain may be followed by localized or generalized severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, weakness, and tremor. Large muscle groups (such as shoulder or back) are often affected, resulting in considerable pain. In severe cases, nausea, vomiting, fainting, dizziness, chest pain, and respiratory difficulties may follow.
Blood pressure and heart rate may be elevated. The elevation of blood pressure can lead to one of the most severe complications.
People rarely die from a black widow's bite. Life-threatening reactions are generally seen only in small children and the elderly.
What are the side affects of getting bitten by a black widow?