Peculiarities of the black widow spider

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Peculiarities of the black widow spider

The black widow is an arachnid that is scientifically identified as Latrodectus and, acting worldwide, contains 31 species noting that, the best known of them is Latrodectus mactans. Referring to its mystical name (black widow), we can emphasize that it is due to the very particular reproduction system it has because, after the female is fertilized by the male, it will kill it to proceed to feed on it.

This spider since its discovery is considered a very peculiar animal since, in general, females have a red spot and this, forms the silhouette of an hourglass. In the same way, the drawing is located in the lower abdomen. As far as males are concerned, they are smaller in size before the female and the color that characterizes them is yellow or white. The web of this arachnid is known as the strongest of all.

The habitat of the black widow develops on almost all continents and the only one that is not included in these places is the Antarctic area. North America is home to the most common species; more accurately in the United States of America and Mexico. The remaining species can be found in various environments and regions, specifically in dark and dry areas.

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When the winter season arrives, this spider looks for the most pleasant places that are very warm. The black widow is an arachnid that we can easily find in our houses and when they are in this place, they are usually located in areas with poor lighting, either in: closets, basements or garages.

The black widow is an oviparous animal. When manufacturing its nets, it does so right at ground level, this being the ideal place to capture the greatest variety of prey to inject its powerful poison. It is essential to keep in mind that this spider is not of good vision and when hunting its prey, it does so following the vibrations. Most often they are feeding on caterpillars, ants, beetles, scorpions, cockroaches and grasshoppers.

A very interesting point to note about the black widow is that, when she begins to process her diet, she does so outside her body. This is because, after capturing its prey, it immediately injects the digestive enzymes in order to proceed to break down the meat that it will absorb. After finishing eating, the black widow will feed again in several months.

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As far as the venom of this spider is concerned, we can emphasize that it is extremely dangerous. Depending on the poison that was inoculated, the level of pain can be measured. Regardless of the proportion, if this spider attacks a human being, he should go to the doctor because only in this way can the expansion of toxin be prevented. Generally, the bite of the black widow leaves irreversible consequences in the affected area.

Finally, experts say that the black widow is not an aggressive animal. For them, this spider only attacks when it is threatened or failing that, it feels in danger. Exactly, the American black widow contains a venom that is 15 times greater than that of a rattlesnake. The pain of this bite manifests itself a few minutes after the bite.

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