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Southern Black Widow

Southern Black Widow

Latrodectus mactans

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

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.

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
General Info About Southern Black Widow
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Attributes of Southern Black Widow
Biting/stinging
The Southern Black Widow may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Southern Black Widow has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Southern Black 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
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Southern Black Widow typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Appearance of Southern Black Widow
The females are well known for their distinctive black and red coloring. The body length (excluding legs) of the mature female is 8 - 13 mm, 3 - 6 mm for males. Females are shiny and black in color, with a red marking in the shape of an hourglass on the ventral (under) side of her very rounded abdomen. Many female widows also have an orange or red patch just above the spinnerets on the top of the abdomen. Juveniles have a distinctly different appearance from the adults; the abdomen is grayish to black with white stripes running across it and is spotted with yellow and orange.
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How to Identify Southern Black Widow?

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Adult Size of Southern Black Widow
Male 3 - 4 mm, female 8 - 10 mm
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Predators of Southern Black Widow Larvae
Wasps, ants, other spiders, birds, mammals
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Predators of Adult Southern Black Widow
Praying mantises, mud-dauber wasps, birds, centipedes, reptiles, shrews
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Interesting Facts About Southern Black Widow
Female southern Black Widow can store male sperm for up to two years, using it to fertilize several batches of eggs over time.
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Scientific Classification of Southern Black Widow
Tips for Finding Southern Black Widow
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How Can You Attract Southern Black Widow
Insects such as flies, mosquitos, and other small arthropods.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Southern Black Widow
Late afternoon or evening, as southern Black Widow tends to be more active after sunset.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Southern Black Widow
Warm and dry conditions, as excessive moisture can harm southern Black Widow's web.
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How and Where Can You Find Southern Black Widow at Different Life Stages
Juvenile Juvenile southern Black Widow can be found near the ground or in low shrubs. They produce smaller, irregular webs. Look for them by inspecting the lower foliage of plants and near structures.
Adult Adult southern Black Widow are usually located in dark, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, sheds, or garages. Searching these areas with a flashlight during dusk or at night may reveal southern Black Widow's reflective eyes or cobwebs.
Are Southern Black Widow harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Southern Black Widow
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Toxic to Humans
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Toxic to Humans

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.

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Toxic to Animals

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.

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Is the Southern Black Widow Deadly?

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.

More Effects of Southern Black Widow

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