CARL MARSHALL: False Widow Panics

Unless, much like the spider in question, you have been hiding unobtrusively in a dark corner you cannot have failed to notice the recent media induced hysteria concerning a certain species of spider. Photographs of terrible injuries and stories of vicious attacks by False Widow Spiders Steatoda nobilis have been dominating the news recently with many individuals claiming attacks by these largely harmless arachnids. I do not dispute the injuries sustained I am suggesting that the extent of some of the injuries resulted from secondary infection explained in more detail below. In truth very little of this hyperbole is based on fact. As usual the ignorance of the media is causing public panic.

Facts.

The False Widow S. Nobilis is nothing new, this species has been living in the UK since at least 1879 when they were imported unintentionally from the Canary Islands. It is hypothesised that the recent changes in climate have prompted S. nobilis accelerated expansion into most of the UK, although it is still mainly confined to southern counties. S. nobilis is only one of an entire family (Theridiidae) of spiders many of which are present in the UK.

The Genus Steatoda is a close relative of Latrodectus which contains L. mactans- the Black Widow. Many people are unaware that the true Black Widow has also made its way into the UK, albeit in vastly reduced numbers, normally in isolated colonies near ports. A live specimen of L. mactans can be observed in safety at Stratford-Upon-Avon Butterfly Farm, this spider was imported from Arizona USA. It was discovered on the rear seat of an automobile being imported into Britain. It seems strange that it is S. nobilis that people are concerned about. Like most spiders, S. nobilis and L. mactans have neurotoxic venom. Neurotoxic venom from S. nobilis can cause pain, swelling, nausea and in rare cases fever and muscular cramps, it does not cause the skin to rot and fall off. What can cause a necrotic condition is secondary staph infection (even MRSA) or potentially a very severe reaction to the venom type; however, this reaction would only occur in an extremely small percentage of bites. Usually someone bitten would see some swelling, experience some pain and possibly feel unwell.

If bitten, clean and dress the puncture wounds and if feeling unwell, seek medical advice at your closest A&E department for treatment which would usually involve administration of analgesia and antihistamine medication.

Hopefully this article has gone some way to reducing the hysteria surrounding these benign invertebrates. In truth these spiders are not out to attack or eat your flesh, they have been in Britain for over one hundred and thirty years and prefer to remain undisturbed. They can bite and it can be painful, but apart from very rare occurrences it will be no worse than a wasp sting.

In an ecological sense spiders are vital, they control the populations of small disease carrying invertebrates that would otherwise plague us in summer months and should be seen as useful creatures and not something to fear. In response to these ill-judged news articles many people are killing every spider they encounter regardless of species and although our eight legged friends are numerous enough not to be eradicated by our misguided destruction, ecosystems are extremely fragile and their natural equilibrium can be easily disrupted.

If you are concerned about this species or indeed any spider species found in Britain and encounter them walk away do not kill them, or, place a cup or other similar receptacle over them and slide a piece of card under the cup sealing off the opening and trapping the spider in the cup, then release the spider outside – they won’t jump at you fangs bared ready to consume your flesh!  Remember not every spider encountered is S. nobilis. They are small with noticeably larger anterior legs and round bulbous abdomens which in the case of S. nobilis have a dull cream pattern on them.

The media are encouraging and increasing people’s fears and should behave in a more responsible manner, the information they are publishing is inaccurate and unhelpful.  Instead of knee-jerk reactions treat all animals with respect and they will have no reason to feel threatened and react aggressively.

Hopefully the ridiculous furore surrounding S. nobilis will fade and will return to the normal levels of spider intolerance that these fascinating creatures daily endure.

The information above is identical to what has happened in Australia concerning the White Tailed Spider and as a result many of these creatures were unnecessarily demonised which subsequently affected their status.

 When reporting on such emotive subjects perhaps more thorough research into the subject may provide the general public with an informed assessment on how to respond such as provided with a bee or wasp sting.