False Widow spider (Steatoda nobilis) I think everyone needs to calm down and read this. The distribution of Steatoda nobilis is expected to increase northwards in the UK, due at least partly to mild summers in recent years. This prediction was reported by Stuart Hine of the Natural History Museum, and is substantiated by the National Recording Scheme. Medical significance. Like almost all spiders, Steatoda nobilis is venomous, but the bite is almost exclusively of mild effect on humans, without severe consequences and do not typically present long-lasting effects. The symptoms of a bite are typically similar to a bee or wasp sting. The bite of this spider, along with others in the genus Steatoda, can produce a set of symptoms known as steatodism. Symptoms of bites include intense pain radiating from the bite site, along with feverishness or general malaise. Only the female spider is known to bites humans. Sensationalised stories about the bite of Steatoda nobilis have featured in UK newspaper articles. Stuart Hine from the Natural History Museum, London responded on the naturenet blog, stating, Of course I also explain the great value of spiders and how rare the event of spider bite in the UK actually is. I also always explain that up to 12 people die from wasp/bee stings in the UK each year and we do not panic so much about wasps and bees! Steven Falk, an entomologist, cautioned that without hard evidence, it is difficult to know how many of the bites reported in the media have been caused by false widow spiders. This is not some new mystery species that has been recently introduced to the UK, its been with us for some considerable time and really poses no more threat than any of our native species.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 05:45:02 +0000
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