
How Do You Recognize a Black Widow Spider?
Black widows get their name from their colour, which can range from deep black to dark brown, and the fact that the females have been known to consume the males after mating, though this is less common than previously thought. It is the females rather than the males with a venomous bite that can cause harm to humans. Male black widow spiders are smaller than the females, are grey or brown rather than black, and can have markings on their abdomens resembling red spots or white stripes. Female black widows have markings on the undersides of their abdomens resembling a red hourglass shape. It may be most visible when a female hangs upside down in her web waiting for prey. However, if you see a spider walking around that you think might be a black widow but you cannot see the underside of its abdomen, it is unwise to try to flip it over to check. Black widows actually are not very aggressive spiders but are most likely to bite in self-defence when provoked. Fortunately, there are other characteristics by which you can recognize them. Female are shiny black in colour with spindly legs and a large, round, bulbous abdomen.How Dangerous Is the Bite of a Black Widow?
The bite of a northern black widow spider usually isn't deadly. Most people who are bitten survive and suffer no long-term ill effects from the bite. However, it can be extremely painful. Symptoms of a bite from a black widow include extreme muscle pain that occurs immediately and reaches its peak up to three hours following the incident. Other symptoms of a black widow bite may include the following:- Excessive sweating
- Abdominal cramps and nausea
- Fever
- Muscle spasms
- Increased blood pressure or heartbeat