Black Widow SpiderCurrent as of: November 20, 2017 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine |
|
Black Widow SpiderBlack widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) are found throughout the Western Hemisphere. A female black widow is much more likely to deliver more venom than a male spider. Female black widows are long-legged, shiny, coal-black spiders with an orange, red, or yellow hourglass shape on the underside. The female black widow is usually about 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) long, but it may be smaller. Black widow spiders tend to bite defensively when their webs are disturbed. Black widow spiders are frequently found in low-lying webs in garages, barbecue grills, around swimming pools, and in wood piles. Bites to babies and children may be more serious than bites to adults. Signs and symptoms of a black widow bite include:
In some cases, severe symptoms appear within 30 to 60 minutes. These include:
A doctor should be contacted immediately when a person is bitten by a black widow spider. Current as of: November 20, 2017 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine |
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2018 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |