European Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus tredecimaguttatus)…The ‘Malmignatta’ or
‘Malmignatta’ or European Black Widow Spider is a creature that inspires fear as innumerable disparaging local names for the creature attest. Malmignatta combines Mal (bad) with mignatta (leech).
The Latin name Latrodectus tredecimaguttatus does not damn the species for the specific name tredecimguttatus literally means thirteen spots…a reference to the 13 bright red spots on the black abdomen of the female. In younger specimens these appear as white spots with a red centre.
The female of the species has a body length of about 7–15 mm (0.28–0.59 in), while the male is smaller and reaches 4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 in) at best.
Like all Latrodectus species, L. tredecimguttatus has a painful bite that is fatal in rare cases. They are not in close association with humans generally, although epidemics of bites have been reported.The Mediterranean black widow primarily lives in steppes and other dry grasslands, and can be a significant problem in areas where grain is harvested by hand. It is not aggressive but bites in defence…
Only the female spider's bite is dangerous (either for humans or cattle) as the male cannot penetrate the relatively thick epidermis. Tolfa Hills, Lazio, Italy July 2021
‘Malmignatta’ or European Black Widow Spider is a creature that inspires fear as innumerable disparaging local names for the creature attest. Malmignatta combines Mal (bad) with mignatta (leech).
The Latin name Latrodectus tredecimaguttatus does not damn the species for the specific name tredecimguttatus literally means thirteen spots…a reference to the 13 bright red spots on the black abdomen of the female. In younger specimens these appear as white spots with a red centre.
The female of the species has a body length of about 7–15 mm (0.28–0.59 in), while the male is smaller and reaches 4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 in) at best.
Like all Latrodectus species, L. tredecimguttatus has a painful bite that is fatal in rare cases. They are not in close association with humans generally, although epidemics of bites have been reported.The Mediterranean black widow primarily lives in steppes and other dry grasslands, and can be a significant problem in areas where grain is harvested by hand. It is not aggressive but bites in defence…
Only the female spider's bite is dangerous (either for humans or cattle) as the male cannot penetrate the relatively thick epidermis. Tolfa Hills, Lazio, Italy July 2021
Also in: Insects & Spiders & other animals 2021
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