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| Fig. 34.2 Female black widow spider demonstrating the characteristic hour glass on the ventral surface. |
The brown recluse (
Loxosceles reclusa) and the female black widow (
Latrodectus mactans) (Fig. 34-2) are the most serious spiders in the United States. The hobo spider (
Tegenaria agrestis) in the Pacific Northwest has been reported to produce dermonecrotic arachnidism, a serious necrotic reaction in the skin induced by the venom. However, whether or not this spider produces dermonecrotic arachnidism is controversial; some authorities believe that the reported bites have come from other causes. As many as 16 other species may bite humans, causing a small amount of pain or even necrosis at the site, but these reactions are transient, self-limiting, and require little attention. Most species are either too small or the biting mouthparts will not penetrate the human skin and, therefore, inject an insignificant amount of venom.
