black widow
)
The term ‘black widow’ covers a number of different species of Latrodectus spiders. The name derives from the generally held belief that the female spider invariably eats the male after mating. Recent observations indicate that this may be the case in only a few species.
North American spider Latrodectus mactans. The male is small and harmless, but the female is 1.3 cm/0.5 in long with a red patch below the abdomen and a powerful venomous bite. The bite causes pain and fever in human victims, but they usually recover.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|
?Sign in  |
|---|