Latrodectus mactans
Black Widow Spider
Araneae: Theridiidae
Latrodectus mactans
Myths of a different kind
The danger of the bite is exaggerated. It is
rarely lethal.
It is not aggressive and bites only in self
defense. It is rare that someone gets bitten.
Black widow females rarely eat the male after
copulating.
Latrodectus mactans
Black Widow Spider
Venom- Neurotoxin (latrotoxin)
First 24 hours: possible sx.
• Muscle cramping esp, abdomen, back and thighs. Latrotoxin
causes the release of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine,
stimulating muscle contractions.
• Pain at site of bite.
• Headache, dizziness, tremors, salivation, and excessive
sweating
• Anxiety, lacrymation, tachycardia
Latrodectus mactans
Black Widow Spider
Venom- Neurotoxin (latrotoxin)
Symptoms decline after 1 -3 days.
Afterwards there may be some muscle spasm, tingling
and weakness.
Rarely causes death, complications are rare except in
the very old, weak, or those with existing cardiac
disease.
Latrodectus mactans
• Affects the heart (known as remedy for heart
attack, angina w pain down left arm)
• Fear of death
• Shock after near death experience or
witnessing a death
• Panic attacks (esp. after a death)
Latrodectus mactans
• Great fear of the feminine.
• Dreams of spiders, witches, frightening
women
• Fear that time is running out (Lat.m has a red
hourglass on her back)
• Fear of suffocation
Latrodectus mactans
• Cardiac pain
• Inactivity of the rectum
• Spastic, cramp-like pains, coming in waves like labor
pains.
• Better warm water, warm bathing.
• Chilly and worse before a storm.