Widow spiders are of the genus Latrodectus, feared by cultures worldwide because of their venomous bites, especially the black widow (the brown widow’s bite has milder symptoms). Because they are so feared, it doesn’t help most people to know that black and brown widows are non-aggressive. Widows will instinctively bite if they become trapped next to one’s skin, causing severe pain and suffering.
In North America, female black widows have a shiny, black bulbous body, with a red spot shaped like an hourglass underneath their abdomens. Black widows are found throughout the United States but predominately in the southern and western states. In size, they can be up to an inch and a half (including the legs). Some black widows in other countries have a red stripe on top of their abdomens and no hourglass, such as the Australian widow spider called the “Redback.???
The black widow is named “widow??? because of its propensity to sexual cannibalism. Some widow species consume the male after mating; however, most studies have been conducted in labs in which the males could not get away. Research at the University of Hamburg, Germany, indicates the widows that do eat their mates do so in an effort to increase the survival rate of their offspring. Males find it hard to defend themselves against female black widows since the female’s venom is three times as strong as the male’s.
The brown widow female spider is similar to the black widow but less dangerous and a little smaller in size. She has a pattern of brown and tan stripes; and instead of a red hourglass on her underbelly, she has an orange-colored one. The brown widow’s egg sac can be identified easily by her egg case which is covered with lots of silk spikes sticking out of it.
Brown widow spiders are an invasive species to North America. Researchers believe brown widows originated in South Africa, although older specimens have been found in both South Africa and South America.
Black widows and brown widows are two of the most notorious and feared spider species. Both renowned for their venomous bites, these spiders often invoke curiosity and caution. But what exactly sets black and brown widows apart? Read on for a comprehensive comparison of these infamous arachnids.
Appearance
The most identifiable feature of female black widows is the red hourglass marking on their shiny, black abdomens. Brown widows have a similar marking, but it is orange or yellowish in color.
Adult female black widows grow to around 1.5 inches long including leg span, while males are smaller. Brown widows reach a similar maximum size. Both species tend to have long, spindly legs and rounded abdomens.
When it comes to patterns black widows usually have uniform black bodies. Brown widows exhibit more variation with mixed brown, black and tan mottling. Webs are chaotic and messy for both species.
Behavior
Black and brown widows are not aggressive spiders that bite without cause. They are quite reclusive and bite primarily in self-defense if threatened or provoked.
However, brown widows tend to be slightly less reclusive than black widows. This allows them to adapt to human environments, leading to more potential encounters with humans.
Habitat
Black widows favor warm climates and secluded, dark, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, thick vegetation, and corners of sheds or basements. They build their webs close to the ground.
While brown widows originate in tropical regions, they now reside in subtropical climates worldwide too. They often inhabit man-made structures in urban and suburban settings. Common hiding spots include fences, mailbox openings, outdoor furniture, and the undersides of eaves.
Venom and Bites
The venom of a black widow is a potent neurotoxin. This makes their bites particularly troublesome. Black widow bites can cause severe muscle pain and spasms, abdominal cramps nausea and profuse sweating. Medical attention is frequently required.
The venom of brown widows is not as toxic. Their bites are still painful but typically less severe than black widow bites. Symptoms usually remain localized. Hospitalization is rarely needed for bites from this spider species.
Prevention Tips
To help deter black and brown widows from homes and yards follow these tips
-
Seal cracks, crevices, and openings around the foundation, windows, and doors using caulk. This blocks access points for the spiders.
-
Remove woodpiles, debris, and dense vegetation close to the home. Eliminate potential web building sites and hiding spots.
-
Regularly clean garages, basements, and cluttered storage areas where they like to lurk.
-
Install tight-fitting screens on windows and vents and repair any holes.
-
Use pest control sprays or traps around the exterior perimeter of your home. Focus on corners, foundations, and ground level areas.
What To Do If Bitten
If you suspect a black or brown widow bite, seek medical attention promptly, especially if symptoms seem severe. Clean the wound with soap and water, apply ice packs to reduce swelling, and keep the area elevated if possible. Over-the-counter pain medications can provide some relief as well while waiting for treatment.
While black and brown widows share some common traits, key differences set them apart in terms of appearance, habitat preferences, venom potency, and human health risks. Being able to identify and avoid these venomous spiders is important for homeowners. With proper diligence and pest control measures, the chance of encounters can be minimized.
Widow Spider Behavior and Habitat
Black and brown widow spiders make messy webs called theridiid webs – sticky, tangled cobwebs in which to catch their prey. Both prefer building their webs and laying eggs in undisturbed areas; sheds, garages, wood and rock piles, under patio furniture, eaves, and other outdoor structures. Indoors, they hide in cluttered areas like garages, in and behind boxes, in corners of rooms and in closets.
One way widow spiders travel from house to house and even city to city is through what is called “ballooning.” After spending a short time with their widow mothers, young spiderlings will set off on their own into new territory by using the ballooning method. On warm days when there’s a breeze in the air, small spiderlings climb to high points of fence posts or plants and stick their abdomens up in the air to release a small amount of silk. If the air current is stronger than the weight of the spider, the spiderling becomes airborne and is carried away, sometimes for miles. Ballooning spiders have been found as high as 10,000 ft. and on ships, 200 miles offshore!
Black Widow VS Brown Widow!
FAQ
Is a brown widow more poisonous than a black widow?
Brown widow spiders are venomous, but they’re considered much less dangerous than the black widow. Although brown widow venom is just as toxic, the brown widow spider injects a much smaller amount of it. Also, only the adult female brown widow spiders bite.
Can you survive a brown widow bite?
The bite of the brown widow is about the same as any non-toxic spider. It hurts and leaves a little mark on the skin. It is no big deal. There are none of the serious, protracted symptoms that one would exhibit when bitten by a black widow.
Which is deadlier, brown recluse or black widows?
-
- Venom is toxic to tissues and cells, causing necrosis (tissue death).
- Bites can lead to severe skin damage, pain, and in rare cases, systemic complications.
- Bites are often painless initially, making them difficult to detect.
- Venom is toxic to tissues and cells, causing necrosis (tissue death).
-
- Venom is a potent neurotoxin that affects the nervous system.
- Bites can cause muscle cramps, pain, nausea, and in severe cases, respiratory difficulties.
- Black widow bites are rare and typically only occur when the spider feels threatened and is defending itself.
- While black widow bites can cause muscle aches, nausea, and even temporary paralysis, fatalities are extremely rare.
- Venom is a potent neurotoxin that affects the nervous system.
Which widow spider is the most venomous?
-
Southern Black Widow:This species, found in North America, is known for its potent venom and the “hourglass” marking on its abdomen, often a yellowish-orange color.
-
Northern Black Widow:While also venomous and found in North America, its venom is not as strong as the southern black widow. The hourglass marking on its abdomen is typically red.
-
Western Black Widow:Similar to the northern black widow, with a red hourglass marking.
-
Brown Widow:While brown widow venom is also toxic, the species typically injects a smaller amount, making them less dangerous than black widows, according to WebMD.