Brown Widow spiders, also known as Latrodectus geometricus, are a species of spiders closely related to the infamous Black Widow spiders. Despite their venom being twice as potent, Brown Widow bites are generally less severe due to the spider injecting smaller amounts of venom. But, what does a Brown Widow bite look like? Let’s dive into the details.
A Brown Widow spider bite is characterized by immediate pain at the bite site and a red mark with a puncture wound. The two major symptoms of a Brown Widow bite are pain when the bite is inflicted and a red mark left on the skin. Other symptoms may develop over time, including muscle pain, weakness in legs, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, nausea, and vomiting. However, these severe cases are rare.
Identifying a Brown Widow Spider
Before we discuss the appearance of a Brown Widow bite, it’s crucial to understand how to identify these spiders. Brown Widows are usually light to dark brown, with black and white patterns on their abdomen and an orange-yellow hourglass marking. One of the most distinguishing characteristics is their egg sacs, which are round and yellow with many little silk spikes sticking out.
Brown Widow Bite Appearance
A Brown Widow bite is characterized by immediate pain at the bite site and a red mark with a puncture wound. The bite may hurt when it occurs and leave a red spot, similar to the bites of other types of house spiders. The two major symptoms of a Brown Widow bite are pain when the bite is inflicted and a red mark left on the skin.
Symptoms of a Brown Widow Bite
While the bite initially causes pain and leaves a red mark, some other symptoms may develop over time. These symptoms include muscle pain and cramps, weakness in legs, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, nausea, and vomiting. However, such severe cases are rare, and about 15% of Brown Widow spider bites are dry, which means they contain no venom.
Brown Widow Bite Vs. Other Spider Bites
Compared to other venomous spiders, Brown Widow bites are generally less severe. Black Widow bites, for instance, can cause severe muscle pain and spasms, as well as abdominal cramps, lasting up to a week. On the other hand, Brown Widow bites are usually less dangerous and less severe.
Medical Attention for a Brown Widow Bite
In most cases, a Brown Widow bite will not require medical treatment. Cleaning the area with soapy water and using ice to numb the area if needed is usually sufficient. However, in rare cases, if severe symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness in legs, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, nausea, and vomiting are experienced, immediate medical attention is required.
Preventing a Brown Widow Bite
Preventing a Brown Widow bite involves steps like sealing cracks in your home, reducing clutter, vacuuming regularly, being cautious around areas where these spiders might live, wearing protective clothing, applying insect repellent, and removing potential hiding spots for spiders.
In conclusion, while Brown Widow bites are generally less severe than those of other venomous spiders, it’s important to know what they look like and what symptoms they might cause. Understanding these aspects will help ensure that you take the right steps in the unlikely event of a bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the geographical distribution of the Brown Widow spider?
The Brown Widow spider is native to South Africa but it has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, particularly in southern states like Florida, Georgia, and California.
How long does it take for the symptoms of a Brown Widow bite to appear?
The symptoms of a Brown Widow bite can start to appear immediately after the bite. Pain and redness are usually the first symptoms, followed by other potential symptoms such as muscle pain and cramps, weakness in legs, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, nausea, and vomiting, which can appear within a few hours to a day after the bite.
Are Brown Widow spiders aggressive?
Brown Widow spiders are not typically aggressive and tend to bite only when they feel threatened or disturbed. Their bites are often a defense mechanism.
What should I do if I find a Brown Widow spider in my house?
If you find a Brown Widow spider in your house, it’s best to call a professional pest control service to safely remove the spider. While these spiders are not typically aggressive, they can bite if they feel threatened or disturbed.
How can I tell the difference between a Brown Widow spider and a Black Widow spider?
The primary difference between a Brown Widow and a Black Widow spider is their color. Brown Widows are usually light to dark brown, with black and white patterns on their abdomen and an orange-yellow hourglass marking. On the other hand, Black Widow spiders are usually black with a red hourglass marking.
