BLACK WIDOW SPIDER Bite

The black widow spider has a shiny, black, globular body about ¼ inch long. On the underside of the abdomen is a distinctive, bright red marking which is shaped like an hourglass. This marking is replaced in some individuals with several triangles, spots or an irregular blotch. The spider is often called the "hourglass spider" or "shoe button spider" because of the marking and its overall appearance. Its legs are long and when stretched they extend to a diameter of about 1 ½ inches. The feminine gender and mating status suggested by its name is appropriate. The male is a much smaller spider and is not dangerous.

Black widow spiders live in dry, sheltered spots. They weave a rather sparse web of strong, coarse but randomly arranged threads. Favored homesites of black widows include cracks and crevices in old buildings, trash, old lumber piles, and beneath rocks and debris. Backsides encountered in outhouses are a favored target of the black widow.

The seriousness of a black widow spider bite is determined by the same factors that are important in snakebite: the size and aggressiveness of the spider, the number and location of bites, the amount of venom injected, the time of year, and the health and size of the victim. The fangs of the black widow are only about 1/50 of an inch in length and may not penetrate tough skin. Drop for drop, the venom is equal in potency to pit viper venom.

Initially the bite produces a sharp prickling sensation, followed by a dull, numbing pain. The reaction at the point of the bite is usually minimal; no more than slight swelling and perhaps a set of tiny, red fang marks appear. The pain increases in severity for one to three hours, until it becomes severe due to agonizing cramps of the abdomen, shoulders, back, and chest. The stomach muscles become rigid, and spasms of other muscle groups follow. Dizziness, headache, sweating, nausea, vomiting, rashes and burn­ing and tingling sensations often occur. Convulsions, paralysis and shock may finally develop; but the picture is usually dominated by muscle spasms and the resulting pain.

Most deaths from black widow spider bites have occurred in children, the elderly, and persons with high blood pressure.

Treatment for BLACK WIDOW SPIDER Bite
Local first aid such as that recommended for snake bites is of little value, but ice packs may reduce pain and delay the spread of venom. The poison does not attack the tissues around the bite as does snake venom, and the use of ice is therefore not hazardous. Muscle relaxants for the spasms are helpful, and antivenin is available.