Latrodectus geometricus
(Brown Widow Spider)

Picture ID 98949

Submitted by:
unskinnybob
Submitted: Jan 30, 2020
Photographed: Jan 30, 2020
Spider: Latrodectus geometricus (Brown Widow Spider)
Location: Highveld, South Africa
Spotted Indoors: Garage or shed
Found in web?: Yes
Attributes: Egg sacs, Lateral

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TangledWeb

Moderator

January 30, 2020 8:12 pm

She is probably a Brown Widow, Latrodectus geometricus. The spiky white egg sacs are a characteristic trait of the species. Her underside should have a orange-red mark. The spiders in genus Latrodectus have dangerous venom. Please see a doctor if you are bitten. There is anti-venom for Latrodectism. Like most spiders, they are not aggressive toward humans and other large animals except if the eggs or babies are handled. They probably won’t bite except in self-defense. Pressing skin against them can hurt them and they may bite to make it stop. Wearing work gloves when you reach into dark places… Read more »

Unskinnybob

Photo Owner

Reply to TangledWeb

January 31, 2020 9:11 am

Thanks so much for the response. She’s made her nest against my second garage door which I only open occasionally. I take care not to roll the door all the way up as to avoid hurting her.

I took another photo of her hanging upside down and can confirm the orange marking.

My kids generally stay out of the garage but should we be cautious that there may be more elsewhere in the garage? Or are they territorial?

TangledWeb

Moderator

Reply to Unskinnybob

February 22, 2020 8:45 pm

Sorry for the delay in responding. Yes there may be others in the area. I don’t think one spider would be able to keep others away from much of the area. My own spiders in that family avoid each other but each only has a radius of about 2 meters of its own. The hatchlings probably spread out to avoid being eaten by each other. So, there should be a low population density, but you should be careful about reaching into dark places anywhere in the area.

paturodel

Reply to Unskinnybob

October 19, 2021 8:04 pm

Hi Unskinnybob although I’m glad U are not an irrational spider killer and apparently teach your kids respect for all wildlife I might suggest that U kill her and her egg case. This species is not native to the US but an introduced spider. Recent studies show it is out-competing our native Black Widows with unknown ecological ramifications. In California Brown Widows are displacing Black Widows and expanding in greater numbers into urban areas. Some reports state their bite is less lethal since as a usually smaller spider less venom is injected. However the chemical potency of venom for both… Read more »

paturodel

Reply to paturodel

October 19, 2021 8:11 pm

Oops sorry. I’m new to this website and just noticed your location in South Africa which would modify my suggestion. Brown Widows may be native to your area and therefore not to be killed unless actually posing a real safety risk.