The brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus) is a spider native to South Africa that was first discovered in the United States in 1935. Although it is undoubtedly a very poisonous spider for its prey, it has a shy and shy character, rarely bites humans. When it does, however, it does not inject all of its venom, so it can be considered less dangerous than other species. Thanks to this tutorial you will learn how to recognize a brown widow and how to behave in case of a bite.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying a Brown Widow
Step 1. Observe the color of the spider
The brown widow is brown, tan or gray in color, with geometric patches or spots. Some specimens may have white or black markings on the back.
Step 2. Check for an hourglass-like stain
Just like the black widow, the brown widow also has this distinctive mark on the lower abdomen. The stain, however, is yellowish or bright orange.
Step 3. Check the paws
The brown widow's front pair of legs are longer than the others, but all eight show black stripes.
Step 4. Make a note of the measurements
Female specimens can reach 2.5-4 cm in length, including legs. Males are smaller: 1.3-1.8 cm.
Step 5. Check for a round, prickly-looking egg sac
Brown widows are similar to some species of black widows, while the color differentiates them from other spiders. If you are able to recognize the egg sac, however, you will be more confident in identifying them. Here are some features you need to look for:
- Bag size: 1.3cm
- Color: ivory, brown or yellow
- Shape: rounded with spines
- Position: on the cobweb
Step 6. Check the web
The brown widow weaves cloths different from traditional ones (an intertwining of flat threads); on the contrary, it tends to build three-dimensional hiding places.
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing the Habitat
Step 1. Check if the brown widow lives in your region
In Italy its presence has never been verified and the only spider of the Latrodectus family present in our country is the Mediterranean black widow, also called malmignatta. However, it is worth knowing that it is especially common in the southern states of the USA, in case you plan a trip to those areas. Here is a list that might come in handy:
- Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas.
- California (mainly southern), Colorado.
- Florida, Georgia, Hawaii.
- Louisiana (especially the city of New Orleans), Mississippi.
- Nevada, New Mexico.
- Oklahoma, South Carolina.
- Tennessee, Texas.
Step 2. Find out about other countries where the brown widow lives
This insect, in fact, is not only present in the United States, but in other areas including:
- Asia
- Australia
- Caribbean islands
- Cyprus
- Japan
- South Africa
Step 3. Brown widows prefer protected areas
Just like most spiders, these arachnids prefer dark, uncrowded areas, such as wooded areas. It is also possible to meet them in cities, around houses and in gardens. Here are the places where you are most likely to find a brown widow:
- On the perimeter of the garden, under the edge of the railings and inside empty flower pots.
- In wardrobes, in the attic, in garages, even inside boxes and under handles.
- Around the house, especially near the canopies or behind the shutters.
- Under furniture, both outdoor and indoors.
- Inside the folds of linen and clothes.
- In the shoes.
Step 4. Learn about the activity periods of this spider
Unfortunately, the brown widow is active all year round: winter, spring, summer and fall.
Part 3 of 3: Curing a Bite
Step 1. Learn to recognize a brown widow bite
Thankfully this arachnid is unable to inject all of its venom like other species, so its bite is rarely dangerous. Here's what you should expect in case a brown widow bites you:
- The bite will cause a slight pain or burning sensation.
- The bite site will have a small red mark.
Step 2. Know when to go to the emergency room
Sometimes the body has a much more severe reaction to this spider's bite. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, go to the hospital right away:
- Difficulty breathing or staying conscious.
- Muscle tremors or cramps.
- Muscle spasms.
- Sweating.
- Nausea and vomit.
- Intense pain.
- Symptoms of infection at the bite site, such as a rash, pus, or ulceration.
Step 3. Take care of the bite by cleaning it and applying the ice pack
Wash the wound with warm soapy water and rinse carefully. Keep the bitten area elevated and apply an ice pack; you can also use a cloth soaked in cold water. If you wash the bite carefully, you can prevent infections, while cold therapy reduces swelling.
Step 4. Take over-the-counter medications
Spider bites can be itchy and painful, and brown widow bites are no exception. If you've been bitten, consider taking these medications:
- Consider taking a pain reliever medication such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen or an antihistamine.
- You can also spray an anesthetic spray or an itch reliever. Choose a product with benzocaine, as it numbs pain and reduces itching.
- If the bite site turns red and continues to itch, try an antihistamine ointment, hydrocortisone cream, or calamine cream.
Advice
- It is worth putting on gloves and shaking off any shoes and clothes you have stored in the attic or garage before taking them indoors or putting them on. Otherwise you could bring the insect inside the house.
- Brown widows can be found in unexpected places, such as under the rim of plant pots or in the mailbox.
- Be very careful if you have children, do not allow them to touch or approach places and objects that could be a perfect hiding place for this spider.
- Use silicone to seal openings around window and door frames, even fit mosquito nets. All of this minimizes the chances of a brown widow entering your home.
- In case of particularly serious infestations, do not rule out the possibility of using insecticides. Read the product label carefully, especially if you have pets. Most insecticides are toxic.
- Clean the house and yard. When you go, be especially careful around corners or behind furniture. If the house and yard are very clean, spiders will be less attracted.
