Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Southern Black Widow

Harmful Effects of Southern Black Widow

Latrodectus mactans

A species of Widow spiders, Also known as Shoe-Button Spider, Black-widow spider

Southern Black Widow bites can transmit neurotoxins causing muscle cramps, pain, and hypertension. Rarely fatal, bites may lead to paralysis or respiratory failure if untreated. Transmission occurs through defensive bites, particularly from females. Symptoms are severe but non-lethal, requiring medical treatment.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Is the Southern Black Widow Deadly?
Deadly
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
Bite Animals
Bite Animals

Is the Southern Black Widow poisonous?

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Humans
Toxic Stage
Adults
Poisoning Groups
Humans, Other Vertebrates, Invertebrates
Toxin Function
Defense Mechanism
Methods of Secreting Venom
Fangs
Ways of Poisoning
Bite
Toxicity Intensity
Mild to Severe
Southern Black Widow is venomous and its bite can release neurotoxins potent enough to cause severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, and hypertension in humans. While its venom rarely results in death, symptoms can escalate to paralysis or respiratory failure in extreme cases. Adults utilize a defense mechanism of biting when threatened. The neurotoxins interfere with nerve signaling, leading to the aforementioned symptoms which may persist for several days if untreated.
Toxic to Animals
Toxic Group Type
Vertebrates, Invertebrates
Toxic Objects Examples
Mammals like dogs, other spiders
Toxic Stage
Adults
Toxin Function
Defense Mechanism, Means of Prey
Toxic Types
Neurotoxins
Toxic Secreting Methods
Fangs
Toxic Ways
Bite
Risk Level
Severe
Southern Black Widow's venom can range from mild to severe depending on the target and its sensitivity to the venom. Southern Black Widow utilizes a sting as its primary method of injecting venom, which is particularly present during its adult stage. Humans may experience discomfort or allergic reactions, whereas dogs and cats might also exhibit signs of pain and possible allergies when stung. Birds who encounter southern Black Widow might suffer from the toxic effects as well, although with varying degrees of intensity.

Is the Southern Black Widow Deadly?

Lethal Stage
Adult
Transmission Methods
Bite
Lethal Reason
Defense
Methods of Lethality
Venom
Toxicity Types
Neurotoxins
Southern Black Widow possesses a potent neurotoxic venom that can lead to fatality, especially in children or the elderly. While adults may experience severe discomfort from the bite, fatalities are rare. Immediate medical attention is critical, as is knowledge of preventive measures to avoid lethal encounters with this species.

Does the Southern Black Widow bite humans or animals?

Bite Humans
Bite Animals
Bite Humans
Biting Stages
Adults
Purpose of Biting
Defense
Biting Severity
Severe
Southern Black Widow typically bites humans when threatened or disturbed, as a defensive action. Adult females, in particular, might bite when protecting their eggs. Such bites inject venom, leading to severe pain and medical symptoms requiring attention, although they rarely result in fatalities.
Bite Animals
Bite Animal Objects
Vertebrates, Invertebrates
Bite Objects Examples
Rats, Lizards, Insects
Bite Animal Stage
Adults
Bite Animal Purpose
Feeding, Defense
Degree of Impact
Severe
Southern Black Widow often bites in self-defense or when capturing prey. The potent venom immobilizes their prey, which is primarily insects. Encounters with humans typically occur by accident, and while bites are not common, they can cause severe symptoms due to the neurotoxin.
union

More about insect bites and stings (Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment, etc)

Harmful Facts About Southern Black Widow

Why are Southern Black Widow harmful to humans?
Southern Black Widow bites can inflict severe pain and potential medical issues because they contain neurotoxins that affect the nervous system. These spiders may bite defensively, particularly when feeling threatened or to guard their offspring. Consequently, humans might experience distressing symptoms if they inadvertently disturb southern Black Widow's habitat or come into close contact with them.
What is the best prevention for Southern Black Widow?
To prevent southern Black Widow encounters, seal cracks and crevices in homes and eliminate clutter in and around properties to reduce hiding places. Regularly check and clean seldom-used spaces like garages, sheds, and basements. Wearing gloves while gardening can safeguard against accidental bites if southern Black Widow has taken residence in foliage.
What are the solutions for injuries caused by Southern Black Widow?
After a southern Black Widow bite, individuals should remain calm and seek expert advice. Washing the bite area with soap and water followed by applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and pain. During recovery, avoiding exertion and keeping the affected area immobilized may prevent further irritation. Continuous monitoring for worsening symptoms is crucial. Remember, always consult a professional for guidance during such situations.
More Insects that are Similar to Southern Black Widow
Redback spider
Redback spider
The redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) hunts large creatures, including trapdoor spiders (Ctenizidae), king crickets (Anostostomatidae), and even small lizards. It will commonly steal prey off of other spiders' webs too. These spiders bite humans frequently, but only the females pose a serious threat. Female bites could lead to illnesses and even death in extreme cases.
Brown Widow
Brown Widow
The brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) is a lighter color with an orange hourglass shape on its abdomen, different from the black widow. They are known as "cobweb spiders" because they have an odd way of making webbing. Brown Widows have a toxic bite which is weaker in the males. It is said that brown Widows regularly fight for territory against black widows.
Latrodectus mirabilis
Latrodectus mirabilis
Within its silk-woven retreat, latrodectus mirabilis is recognized for its potent venom, which is a complex neurotoxin affecting the nervous system of smaller prey items, and occasionally deters larger predators. During its life cycle, this species exhibits sexual dimorphism; with mature females adorning a dimensional abdomen showcasing a striking hourglass marking, while males are markedly more diminutive and subdued in appearance. Latrodectus mirabilis adapts by strategically crafting irregular, scaffolded webs to ensnare unsuspecting insects.
Mediterranean black widow
Mediterranean black widow
Latrodectus tredecimguttatus is black in color, similar to most other widow species, and is identified by the thirteen spots which are found on its dorsal abdomen (the species name is Latin for "with thirteen spots"). These spots are usually red in colour, but may also be yellow or orange.The female of the species has a body length of about 7 - 15 mm, while the male is smaller and reaches 4 - 7 mm at best.
Western black widow
Western black widow
The western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is one of the few spider species that can harm humans. Pain from a bite can last up to twelve hours, but they do not bite unless provoked. The western black widow is also known for "sexual cannibalism." The female tend to eat the males after mating.
Northern black widow spider
Northern black widow spider
The northern black widow spider (Latrodectus variolus) matches other black widow spiders (Latrodectus) in appearance. The difference in this one is that the hourglass appears broken on the northern black widow spider. A bite is dangerous and can cause pain, rigid muscles, and vomiting. It is heavily suggested to seek out a doctor if bitten.
Katipo
Katipo
Distinguished by its striking red and black markings, katipo possesses a unique neurotoxic venom, which it uses to immobilize its prey, primarily small invertebrates. During its juvenile phase, its coloration differs vastly, displaying white, yellow, and orange marks that gradually darken as it matures. Preferring to dwell in sand dunes near the coast, this species has a specialized habitat preference, which is reflected in its careful selection of nesting sites that provide both shelter and ample hunting opportunities.
Phylloneta pictipes
Phylloneta pictipes
Adorned with a blend of hues forming cryptic patterns, phylloneta pictipes possesses the remarkable ability to fabricate intricate webs utilizing its silk, which exhibits exceptional strength and elasticity. Mainly nocturnal, this species employs a unique hunting strategy by relying on the vibrational cues transmitted through its web to detect and swiftly immobilize prey with a paralyzing bite before consumption.
Icon code spieces

Scan QR code to download

Img download isoImg download android