FALSE
BLACK WIDOWS
Many
spiders of the genus Steatoda are often mistaken for widow spiders
(Latrodectus), and are known as false black widows
How to identify one
Steatoda
nobilis can be identified by its bulbous midrift, glossy tawny body and cream
coloured belt positioned on its front. Some people have likened its markings to
a skull.
If
you do suffer a bite you may experience chest pains, tingly fingers and
swelling
Some
members of this genus do have bites which are medically significant in humans
(such as S. grossa and S. nobilis), however bites by Steatoda species generally
do not have any long-lasting effects. The symptoms associated with the bite of
several Steatoda species are known in the medical profession as steatodism; and
have been described as a less-severe form of latrodectism (the symptoms
associated with a widow spider bite). The redback spider antivenom has been
shown to be effective at treating bites from S. grossa, after it was mistakenly
administered to a S. grossa bite victim who was erroneously believed to have
been bitten by the far more dangerous redback.