Black Widow

The glossy, black-bodied female widows have distinctive red spots on the underside of the abdomens. The spot may or may not be shaped like an hourglass. Faint red or white spots may also appear on top of the abdomen, as they do in males. The large females reach lengths of 8-10mm while males grow to less than half this size.

A black widow spider bite often results in delayed pain at the wound site. Severe abdominal cramps, muscle tightness or soreness, headache, nausea and sweating usually follow. Swelling may be noticed in the hands, feet or eyelids, but usually not at the bite site. Discomfort can last several days and may be relieved through medical treatment. It is unusual for a widow bite to cause death.

Spiders frequently stray into dwellings or other indoor habitats, or may be accidentally introduced on firewood, laundry hung out to dry and on flowers. Care needs to be taken in using clothing, tents, sleeping bags and other items left unused for long periods in areas where spiders may be common. Improved storage, use of air tight boxes and bags, elevation of materials off the floor or ground, discarding unwanted items and periodically sweeping or vacuuming under furniture and behind mirrors and pictures are all helpful control measures.