Latrodectus Geometricus Traditional Cache
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Another park and grab...for the strong of heart...
Description: The Brown Widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) can vary in color from white, dark brown, to almost black, however most are light or medium brown. The ventral side of the abdomen contains an orange or yellow colored hour glass shaped marking, brown shaded bands on leg segments, white spots on the abdomen, and white stripes marginally. The white abdominal stripes can distinguish this species from the Black Widow, but the white stripes are often difficult to see on darker colored Brown Widow spiders.
Bites from the Brown Widow do not cause the same symptoms as the Black Widow. Brown Widow spider venom is twice as potent as Black Widow venom, but it is believed the Brown widow does not inject the same amount of neurotoxin. This, results in the decreased severity of symptoms in the form of cramping or nausea. This species is timid avoids human interaction. In fact, males and immature Brown Widow spiders do not bite at all. This species will fall to the ground in a ball as if it were dead as a defense mechanism, but should not be handled. Brown Widow spiders bite out of defense, and it will only occur by mature females.
Biology: Female Brown Widow spiders have a relatively long life span with the possibility of living up to 3 years, while the male Brown Widow life span is only 6 months to 1 year. The Brown Widow is a rapidly reproducing spider with females producing up to 5,000 young each season. Due to its ability to reproduce rapidly the Brown Widow is difficult to control or eliminate.
History: The Brown Widow spider originated in South Africa and was transferred to the U.S. through Florida. The spider is believed to have become established in the U.S. by attaching to the bottom of vehicles and being transported to other locations. The Brown Widow spider prefers tropical climates, and is commonly found in the southeast United States where it was introduced. This spider can be found on many man-made structures in dark corners or crevices around houses, barns, fences, or anywhere a web will fit near the ground. The web contains a retreat structure or tunnel to allow the spider to hide or escape from predators. The Brown Widow spider feeds on insects, and is known to kill anything that gets tangled in its web.
Please replace using magnet.
CONGRATS TO Nick&Nora2 FOR FTF HONORS, AND ON THEIR VERY FIRST TO FIND EVER!!!
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