• I_Fart_Glitter@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    8
    ·
    edit-2
    10 months ago

    Yes, they are all in the Latrodectus family, all have venom containing the neurotoxin latrotoxin, which causes latrodectism (pain, vomiting, muscle rigidity, sweating).

    Australian Redbacks are Latrodectus hasseltii:

    New Zealand Katipo are Latrodectus katipo:

    Western Black Widows are Latrodectus hesperus:

    Southern Black Widows are Latrodectus mactans:

    Female:

    Male:

    Northern Black Widows are Latrodectus variolus:

    European Black Widows are Latrodectus tredecimguttatus:

    South American Black Widows are Latrodectus corallinus:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latrodectus

    • brsrklf@jlai.lu
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      edit-2
      10 months ago

      I used to be in a black widow-free area but it seems that European “13 spots” one is now starting to show up here.

      Probably not good news.