IS THIS SPIDER DANGEROUS?
INCREASED SIGHTINGS IN CYPRUSÂ
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Increased sightings of the Mediterranean False Black Widow Spider in Cyprus, has generated an increased curiosity of the shiny black spider among residents and visitors alike, drawing attention to the myth that these arachnids are potentially dangerous to humans. This has led to fear and unease among people on the island, especially those who come across these spiders in their homes or gardens. The reason for this is that this spider is similar in appearance to and is often mistaken for the slightly larger more venomous Black Widow Spider. Whilst it shares the same shiny black rounded-abdomen and web-making traits as the Black Widow, this spider is slightly smaller and does not have the red hourglass marking that identifies the far more dangerous Black Widow . It does however, have two distinct bright red bands across its abdomem, which sometimes is difficult to interpret.
A MEDITERRANEAN NATIVE
The Meditteranean False Black Widow Spider is native to most Mediterranean countries with a favourable warm seasonal climate, but it is also found in Southern Europe and Western Asia. The Spider usually seeks sloping ground covered with vegetation to spin its three dimensional tangled web to catch prey.
The female can typically have a body length of around 8 mm which expands to up to to 12 mm when pregnant. Once eggs are laid the female spins its web creating a cocoon around its eggs for protection. The spiderlings usually start to hatch at the beginning of autumn, and then typically drop down onto the vegetation along with cacooned prey to feed. They then seek appropriate places to hibernate during the winter and then re-emerge as adults at the end of the next spring seeking food and a mate. The distinctive bands on a young female are a pale yellow and then turn orange as the spider matures eventually becoming bright red when the spider reaches adulthood.Â
The male is only about half the size of the female, with less prominent markings.
A BITE OF MINOR IRRITATION
Mediterranean False Black Widows will only bite if disturbed or if it feels thresteaned, and their venom is far less potent than the contemporary Black Widow. Their venom however, has been known to incapacitate small mammals such as rodents. If bitten, the bite will cause minor irritation similar to that of a wasp sting, so while not life-threatening, it can cause pain and a swelling to humans. Bites from this spider should be treated like any other bite or sting and steps should be taken immediately to ensure that the wound does not become infected.Â
The wound should be cleaned and a mild disinfectant can be applied to the effected area. Scratching the itchy wound will increase the risk of infection and increased swelling or excessive blistering or pus in the wound, may indicate that it has become infected. In this event, local medical services should be notified.
CONTROLLING INSECT POPULATIONS
Ongoing efforts are being made to educate the public about the Mediterranean False Black Widow Spider in Cyprus and people are constantly reminded that this spider poses no threat. This spider plays an important role in Cyprus’s eco-system and like all spiders, it helps control insect populations, which in turn balances local ecology on the island. Information campaigns, workshops, and outreach programs have been used to raise awareness about these spiders, their behavior, and the precautions that can be taken to minimise encounters with them, with a view to ever promoting co-existence. It is known that their numbers on the island has increased, meaning that encounters with this otherwise unassuming arachnid are more likely. So if paths are crossed with this little black spider with its two distinctive bright red bands across its black shiny torso, spare a thought for it and remember that these spiders do not pose a threat to humans and will only bite if they are provoked.
