During November two people
came to the museum with female black widow spiders they had found in their
homes, one climbing a living room wall in Randolph and one in a basement
in Burlington. Since we have no VT specimens in the museum collection we
thought this might represent a population surge in species normally found
in warmer climates. Perhaps this is an indicator of global warming in VT,
but, whatever the cause, we should become more aware of this spider.
Description- They
are black spiders with long tapering legs. The abdomen is globose and the
overall size for females ranges from 8-13 mm. (3/4" in) while the males
are smaller (3/8"). They make haphazard webs with a retreat tunnel at one
end and are usually found outdoors under rocks, bark and around outside
sheds. They could be inadvertently brought inside with firewood,
lumber or some camping equipment.
Number of species-
There are two eastern species called Latrodectans mactans and variolus
and there is a western one called hesperus which may be brought
in with produce (eg. Grapes). The definitive markings are the red hour
glass pattern on the underside (ventral) of the female. The males do not
have an hour glass mark but rather scattered red & white spots over
both sides of the abdomen. The females also have a distinctive scattered
pattern of markings on the dorsal side that can help in recognition.
| Anterior ventral, Latrodectans mactans | Anterior ventral, variolus | Anterior ventral, hesperus |
 |
 |
 |
| Posterior | Posterior | Posterior |
Dorsal view below:
The Bite- Males do
not bite. Although these spiders are not agressive, the females will bite
if threatened. The venom is a neurotoxin which affects nerve-muscle
conduction and contraction. Even though the site of the bite does not become
inflamed or swollen, you could notice the physiological affects of the
neurotoxin. Abdominal muscle contraction causes painful cramps and the
muscles used in breathing become paralyzed. This is accompanied by increased
blood pressure, fever, sweating and a dry mouth & possibly swollen
eyelids. The bite is usually not fatal but there have been more cases
of severe reactions in infants, children, the elderly or ill persons. The
venom in all species is the same but amounts can vary dependent
on the age of the spider and its condition. The victim should see
a doctor. Recovery usually takes about 5 days.
So, if you see a possible
black widow in your house it is better to kill it or trap it in a small
vial or bottle and put it in the deep freeze. Later add some rubbing alcohol
to the container and bring it to Dr. Bell at the Bio. Dept. (656-4349)
It would be valuable to have documentation of this species in Vermont.