Are male black widows poisonous

The Black Widow spider (Latrodectus spp.) is a spider notorious for its neurotoxic venom (a toxin that acts specifically on nerve cells).

The Black Widow Spider is a large widow spider found throughout the world and commonly associated with urban habitats or agricultural areas.

The name ‘black widow spider’ is most commonly used to refer to the three North American species best known for their dark coloration, black hair and red hourglass pattern.

Occasionally, it is applied to several other members of the Latrodectus (widow spider) genus in which there are 31 recognized species including the Australian red-back, brown widow spider (sometimes called the grey widow) and the red widow spider. In South Africa, widow spiders are also known as the ‘button spiders’.

Currently, there are three recognized species of black widow found in North America: The southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans), the northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) and the western bla Black widow spider pictures.