About Black Widow Spiders
Black widows have earned an infamous reputation and with good reason. In 1933, a doctor decided to study the effects of black widow venom personally and his several days of intense pain finally convinced the scientific community that the black widow was truly dangerous. Ever since, people have feared black widows as a genuine monster in the closet.
Identification
Adult female black widows have shiny, black bodies with distinctive, bulbous abdomens. The underside of these abdomens are marked with the infamous red hourglass. While immature black widows have the same distinctive body type and carry the same venom, their body and hourglass are colored white or yellow. Male black widows, however, range from orange or yellow in color, grow to only half the size of the females and deliver only a small fraction of the female's toxic punch. The black widow should not be mistaken for Steatoda spiders, known as the "false black widow." While Steatoda can have a similar body type and color, they generally lack a widow's distinctive markings.
Types
In North America, black widows are divided into three distinct species: the southern, northern and western black widow. In the north, the black widow's distinctive red hourglass is bisected sideways into two separate halves. The hourglass of the southern variety has rounded edges on the posterior end, whereas the western widow's hourglass is more symmetrically triangular. Worldwide, over thirty species are classified as part of the widow (Latrodectus) genus.
Effects
The black widow's bite is nothing short of notorious. Although victims may not feel the initial bite, the bite site will likely become pale within the first few minutes, often while surrounded by a red ring. Within the first few hours, severe muscle cramps will spread out from the bite site and throughout the rest of body. Black widow bites are often characterized by painful, rigid abdomens, a face distorted by pain and involuntary contractions and intense sweating fits. Bite victims may also experience severe nausea, vomiting, convulsion and difficulty breathing.
Prevention/Solution
Black widows typically reside in dark, protected places, such as closets, attics and woodpiles. Prior to the 1970s, most black widow spider bites occurred in outhouses, where the widow's web could capture insects attracted by the foul odor. Before using an outhouse, many users would probe a stick in and around the toilet to clear out the webs. The web of a black widow spider gives off a distinct crackle when disturbed, like burning paper. Concerned individuals should exercise caution not to suddenly disturb places where black widows often reside.
Misconceptions
While the bite of the black widow has become justifiably infamous, it is by no means an automatic death sentence. Death actually occurs in less than 1 percent of all bites, although the experience can still prove excruciating. Contrary to popular belief, black widows are not an incredibly aggressive species. It usually bites only when it feels cornered, or if it needs to defend a clutch of its eggs.
Warning
Not surprisingly, the effects of a black widow bite pose the greatest danger to young children, the elderly and those with prior conditions. Any black widow bites should be treated immediately. In the meantime, victims should wash the bite site with soap and water, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling, and keep the bitten body part elevated. Anyone seeking treatment should remain as calm as possible, as panic will only accelerate the effects of the venom. Victims will usually be treated with a combination of muscle relaxants and pain relievers.
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