A widespread spider across much of South Africa. These spiders are usually found under rocks, in logs and bushes.
Full Name: Black Button Spider (Latrodectus sp.)
Other Names: Swart Knopiespinnekoppe
Classification: MEDICALLY IMPORTANT
A widespread spider across much of South Africa. These spiders are usually found under rocks, in logs and bushes. They build a messy web with one or two large white egg sacs. The egg sacs are smooth and about the size of a pea. Colour is pitch black, often with some red or purple on the back of the abdomen. The Abdomen is large and has red or purple infusion above the spinneret – not under like the Brown Button Spider. They are inoffensive and when disturbed, drop to the floor in a tight ball. Bites are rare. The venom is highly neurotoxic and causes pain, sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath. A bite is treatable, and antivenom is available. No deaths have been recorded from bites of this species.
