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
Northern black widow spider

Harmful Effects of Northern black widow spider

Latrodectus variolus

A species of Widow spiders, Also known as Northern widow

Northern black widow spider can deliver neurotoxic venom through bites, causing severe pain, muscle cramps, and spasms. Transmission occurs primarily in self-defense. While symptoms usually resolve without lasting effects, severe cases may need medical attention. Bites are rare and not typically life-threatening.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans

Is the Northern black widow spider 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
Severe
Northern black widow spider possesses neurotoxic venom, delivered through fangs when it bites in defense or while securing prey. The venom can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and spasms. Symptoms often resolve without long-term effects, but severe cases can lead to respiratory difficulties and require medical attention.
Toxic to Animals
Toxic Group Type
Vertebrates, Invertebrates
Toxic Objects Examples
Dogs, cats
Toxic Stage
Adults
Toxin Function
Defense Mechanism, Means of Prey
Toxic Types
Neurotoxins
Toxic Secreting Methods
Fangs
Toxic Ways
Bite
Risk Level
Mild to Severe
Northern black widow spider, an arachnid, can administer venom through a bite using its fangs. While toxicity can range from mild to severe, it generally affects the nervous system. Humans, domesticated animals like dogs and cats may experience pain, swelling, or muscle rigidity upon being bitten. Smaller creatures could potentially succumb to the venom depending on dosage and individual susceptibility.

Does the Northern black widow spider bite humans or animals?

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
Biting Stages
Adults
Purpose of Biting
Defense
Biting Severity
Severe
Northern black widow spider bites humans typically in self-defense, when threatened or accidentally disturbed. Bites involve venom injection and can lead to severe pain, muscle cramps, and other systemic symptoms. However, these spiders are not aggressive and bites are rare, with females more likely to bite due to their larger venom glands.
union

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

Harmful Facts About Northern black widow spider

Why are Northern black widow spider harmful to humans?
Northern black widow spider is naturally equipped with neurotoxic venom, primarily used for hunting prey. Human encounters with northern black widow spider can result in bites if the spider is threatened or disturbed. Its reclusive nature means that bites are infrequent, but when they occur, they can cause considerable pain, cramping, and other symptoms due to the venom's effects on the nervous system.
What is the best prevention for Northern black widow spider?
To prevent unpleasant encounters with northern black widow spider, reduce clutter in storage areas, garages, and cellars where they may hide. Regularly inspect and clean these areas, and wear gloves when moving objects or reaching into dark spaces. Seal cracks and crevices in walls to deter northern black widow spider from entering living spaces.
What are the solutions for injuries caused by Northern black widow spider?
Northern black widow spider's bite can be distressing, causing symptoms like pain and cramping. To alleviate discomfort, keep the bite area clean and use cold compresses to reduce swelling. Elevate the affected limb and remain calm to slow the spread of venom. It's essential to avoid strenuous activity and stay hydrated during recovery. Monitoring the bite site for changes and seeking medical advice if symptoms escalate is prudent.
More Insects that are Similar to Northern black widow spider
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Southern Black Widow
Southern Black Widow
As we all know, the southern Black Widow( Latrodectus mactans) is a dangerous spider that has a potent neurotoxic venom. The female is distinguished for the black and red coloring. It will occasionally eat the mate after reproduction and become the “widow”. These spiders commonly occur in outbuildings such as privies, sheds, and garages, then make their sticky three-dimensional tangled webs in the woodpiles or under stones.
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