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Brown Widow

Brown Widow

Latrodectus geometricus

A species of Widow spiders, Also known as Grey Widow, House Button Spider, Brown widow spider, Brown buttonspider

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.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Brown Widow
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Attributes of Brown Widow
Colors
Brown
Black
Orange
Habitat
around building
Adult Food Sources
Flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, beetles, other spiders
Larva Food Source
Small insects, other arthropods, insect larvae, siblings (in cases of siblicide)
Biting/stinging
The Brown Widow may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Brown Widow can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
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Species Status of Brown Widow
It has a cosmopolitan distribution.
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Adult Size of Brown Widow
3 - 17 mm
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Predators of Brown Widow Larvae
Ants, wasps, different arachnid species including other spiders, small birds, insectivorous mammals
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Predators of Adult Brown Widow
Praying mantises, centipedes, scorpions, larger birds, some species of wasps, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Brown Widow
Brown Widow's geometric web patterns contain UV-reflective silk that can attract unsuspecting prey, a feature not commonly seen in other spider species.
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Scientific Classification of Brown Widow
Tips for Finding Brown Widow
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Youth Habitat of Brown Widow
Urban and Suburban Areas, Deserts and Arid Regions, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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When is the Best Time to Observe Brown Widow
The best time to find brown Widow would be at night since brown Widow is nocturnal and more active in constructing webs during this time.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Brown Widow
Warm and dry conditions are generally preferable as brown Widow tends to prefer such environments to build their webs for catching prey.
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How and Where Can You Find Brown Widow at Different Life Stages
Egg Brown Widow egg sacs are typically spherical and may be found in sheltered locations like under eaves or in vegetation. Carefully inspect these areas without touching the sacs to avoid disturbing them.
Juvenile Once hatched, brown Widow spiderlings disperse and can be found near the ground or on webs. Search for small, silken webs in corners or under leaves.
As brown Widow grows, it tends to create webs that are irregular and tangled. Look for these characteristic messy webs in dark, sheltered areas.
Adult Adult brown Widows can be found on their webs during the night. Use a flashlight to spot the reflective eyes or the silken strands of their webs in dark corners, crevices, or garden sheds.
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Harmful Effects of Brown Widow
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Toxic to Humans
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Bite Humans
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Toxic to Humans

Brown Widow poses a toxic threat to humans via venomous bites. Adults, using a defense mechanism, can inject neurotoxins through their fangs when threatened. Preying typically on insects, their neurotoxic venom can cause varying symptoms in humans, from mild pain to severe, systemic effects. Immediate symptoms might include muscle pain, cramps, and possible complications like respiratory distress in grave cases.

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Toxic to Animals

The toxin produced by brown Widow can affect various animals when they are bitten, although it is typically mild in nature. Its fangs deliver the venom, capable of causing discomfort and localized reactions both to smaller mammals like cats and dogs, as well as humans. However, due to the mildness of the toxicity, significant medical issues are rare, and the impact is less severe compared to the reaction seen in smaller prey items that could be incapacitated by the venom during predation.

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Bite Humans

Brown Widow typically bite humans in self-defense when they feel threatened. Bites often occur inadvertently, such as when a human disturbs their web or habitat. The bites can lead to severe physiological reactions due to potent venom, which can result in pain, muscle rigidity, and other symptoms, requiring medical attention.

More Effects of Brown Widow

Common Questions People Also Ask
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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.

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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.

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