Black widow spiders are present in Florida. These venomous arachnids are typically shy and not aggressive, biting only when threatened. Understanding their presence, appearance, and habits promotes safety.
Confirming Their Presence
Florida is home to black widow spiders, with the Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) being common throughout the state. The Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) is also found, though less common and primarily located in northern Florida, particularly west of Tallahassee. Both species thrive in Florida’s warm climate.
Identifying Black Widows
Female black widow spiders are recognizable by their shiny black bodies and a prominent red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomen. This marking can sometimes appear as two separate triangles or spots. Adult females typically measure about 1.5 inches in length, including their leg span, with a body length of approximately 0.31 to 0.51 inches. Their legs are long and slender in proportion to their rounded abdomen.
Male black widows are considerably smaller, often about half the size of females, and generally do not possess the same vivid markings. They can be light brown or gray and may have faded or broken red or white markings on their abdomen. Juvenile black widows also differ in appearance, often being tan or striped with faint orange and white markings that change as they mature.
Where They Are Found
Black widows prefer dark, secluded, and undisturbed areas, often near ground level. Common outdoor habitats include woodpiles, rock piles, sheds, garages, under logs, and around outdoor furniture. They can also be found in crawl spaces, basements, and other cluttered areas within structures. These spiders construct irregular, messy, tangled webs of strong, sticky silk. The web often includes a silken retreat where the spider hides, and females typically hang upside down, displaying their hourglass marking.
What to Do If Bitten
If a black widow spider bite is suspected, action is important. The bite may initially feel like a pinprick or go unnoticed, but pain, redness, and swelling can develop around the bite site within an hour. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling and potentially slow the venom’s spread.
Due to the neurotoxic nature of black widow venom, which affects the nervous system, seek professional medical attention promptly. Symptoms can include severe muscle cramps and spasms spreading from the bite area to the abdomen, back, or chest, along with nausea, vomiting, sweating, headache, and fever. While fatalities are rare, particularly with timely medical care, a healthcare professional can assess the bite’s severity and determine appropriate treatment, which may include pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or in severe cases, antivenom.