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.