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Latrodectus mactans (black widow spider)
Epidemiology:
- endemic in southern & western US.
- males & juvenile spiders do not bite
- higher summer temperatures correlate with higher potency of venom
Image: [1]
Pathology:
- venom contains an alpha-latrotoxin that causes neurologic & autonomic dysfunction
- reactions are generally mild & local
- systemic symptoms (lactrodectism) include abdominal cramping, hypertension, nausea, perspiration, urinary retention
Related
spider bite
General
spider
Properties
KINGDOM: animal
PHYLUM: arthropod
ORGANISM-CLASS: arachnid
References
- Grimm L
Medically Significant Spider Bites: Which to Watch Out For,
Medscape. July 25, 2023
https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/venomous-spiders-31606