The brown button spider is one of our more common medically significant spider species. Belonging to the genus Latrodectus is it’s more notorious and infamous “cousin” the black button spider or black widow.
Brown button spiders are widely distributed throughout much of South Africa and introduced populations are found in many parts of the world. It is however believed that they were originally native to Africa.
Very commonly found around buildings and other man-made structures, typically taking up residence under windowsills, tables, chairs, and other items of furniture. They may also be found in dark secluded corners in storerooms, garages, and warehouses. They are “web bound spiders”, meaning they live their lives in the confines of their web. They construct three dimensional rather messy webs and often the egg sacs or cases are clearly visible. The round eggs sacs are characterized by having spikey projections, unlike the black button spiders which have smooth round eggs sacs. Each egg sac may contain up to 150 eggs which hatch after approximately 20 days. A single female can produce as many as 20 egg sacs throughout her life span.
Brown button spiders are medium sized spiders, measuring between 30 to 40 mm across, legs included. Males are smaller than females. The legs are typically brown in colour with darker bands on the joints of each leg. The abdomen is large, bulbous, and maybe grey, white, light brown or black in colour, with several geometric spots and patterns on the dorsal surface. The characteristic reddish orange hourglass shaped marking is found on the ventral side (underside) of the abdomen.
They feed on a variety of insects that may fall victim to their tangled web. They possess neurotoxic venom which quickly immobilizes prey items. If disturbed these inoffensive spiders will form a tight ball and drop to the ground, feigning death. Bites on humans are rare, particularly when one considers how common these spiders can be, and bites usually occur when the spider is accidently squashed. The bite is painful and will be immediately noticeable.
The bite site turns red and often a localized rash will form. Symptoms may include pain, nausea, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and cramps, painful and enlarged lymph nodes, sweating, muscle stiffness, restlessness and raised temperature. It is advisable to seek medical attention if bitten. Bites are treated symptomatically, and, in most cases, symptoms resolve in a few days. No deaths have been recorded from this species.
As the saying goes prevention is better than cure and general situational awareness will go a long way in preventing any bites. Take particular care when moving any furniture, pot plants or any item in storerooms, workshops, and warehouses. Always thoroughly check the underside of furniture and be careful where you place your hands.
For more information on venomous animals, awareness training and talks, as well as a professional 24hrs problem snake rescue service, contact the author at Wildlife Safety Solutions: 073 934 6156; info@wildlifesafetysolutions.co.za; www.wildlifesafetysolutions.co.za, FB Wildlife Safety Solutions, Instagram wildlife_safety_solutions
