Hi,
I have a question pertaining exotic widows like red backs, argentine, south african and mediteranian.
How much more toxic are these then our native latrodectus?
Also could a bite from and exotic like a red back or mediteranian be treated as any north american widow?
thanks
Kevin
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red backed and other exotic widow venom question
kevin
Sep 16, 2003 08:24 PM
Replies (1)
Venom
Sep 17, 2003 08:44 PM
The redbacks ( L. hasselti ) have a slower working toxin than our native lactrodectus, and it is weaker overall. It eventually causes a world of pain, but is not as life-threatening, partly because you have plenty of time to get medical attention before the serious symptoms set in, partly because it's simply less potent.
Mediterranean widows (L. tredecimguttatus ) has a very nasty, agonizing toxin, almost on par with L. mactans for lethality ( about 4% ) but equal, if not worse than L. mactans for PAIN. The toxin leans heavily to the neuromuscular stimulant side, causing massive, agonizing cramps in the abdomen, chest, and thighs. It also includes the paralyzing, nerve jamming agents, so it is quite serious. Not quite as lethal, but worse in terms of suffering. I'd rather be bitten by a mactans or variolus than this one.
South African widows ( L.indistinctus , L.rhodesiensis, L.geometricus ) differ in toxicity . L. geometricus and rhodesiensis are relatively mild, and not much threat to life ( although their bite would be an unpleasant experience. ) L. indistinctus, however, is totally different; its bite is much more severe, causing " nausea, headache, rapid pulse rate, great pain and localised nerve damage. ", according to this site, where you will find more information on the South African widows :
http://wildnetafrica.co.za/wildlifestuff/juniorpage/spiders/spiders.html
The venoms of the mediterranean and redback widows are probably close enough to our native widows to be treated with the same anti-venom. They would also have the same treatment: an injection of calcium glucomate to releive the muscle cramps, and probably pain killers. The brown ( african ) widows' venoms may not be similar enough to use the same anti-venom, but the general treatment would be the same as above.
Here are some other pages on widows :
www.hobospider.org
and a library of widow pages :
http://www.arachnology.org/Arachnology/Pages/Latrodectus.html
