Button spider

Button spider is a common name used in Southern Africa to refer to local members of the spider genus, Latrodectus, the family Theridiidae. These spiders are also known as widow spiders elsewhere in the world. There are approximately six Latrodectus species found in Southern Africa - five of them are native, one is possibly imported.

All species of Latrodectus are venomous to man, and their bite constitutes a medical emergency. Envenomation by these spiders can be fatal to children and ill or infirm adults. Ordinarily, the body mass of a healthy adult is sufficient to dilute the venom to less than a fatal concentration. In most species, only the female spider is capable of effectively delivering the venom to humans as the males have much smaller chelicerae.

Although rarely fatal, the symptoms of the bite are often incredibly painful and medical attention is recommended following any Latrodectus species bite, as complications relating to the bite can arise. Treatment of bites is usually supportive, administering opiates for pain and benzodiazepines for spasms. An antidote is available in South Africa for the bites of both L. indistinctus and L. geometricus, however it is only used for severe cases of envenomation due to its potentially severe side effects. Individuals who are allergic to the venom may also require epinephrine (adrenaline) or diphenhydramine to treat subsequent anaphylaxis.

The species are informally divided into two groups, based on their color:

The black button spiders are black in color (and generally adorned with red dorsal markings), and include the following species:

All of these spiders are native to Southern Africa.

The brown button spiders are lighter in color than the black button spiders; there are two brown button species:

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