Black Widow Spider Bite

• The black widow is shiny and black, with long legs (total width 1 inch). A red (or orange) hourglass-shaped marking may be on its underside (not present in all Lactrodectus species).
• Black widow spiders are found throughout North America, except in Alaska and the far North.
• Causes immediate local mild pain, swelling, and occasionally 2 fang marks. Severe muscle cramps are present by 1 to 6 hours, and last 24 to 48 hours. Rarely causes death (exception: bitten by several spiders or small child is bitten).
• Note: many are dry bites because the fangs are small.
• First Aid for Black Widow Spider Bites: Apply an ice cube or ice pack to the bite for 20 minutes to reduce the spread of the venom (no tourniquet).