Black Widow Spider

Two species of black widow are common in the Middle East, Lactrodectus pallidus , occurring from Libya to Azerbaidjan, and Lactrodectus hysterix , known from Aden and Yemen. In the Emirates, black widows occur along the coastal strip and hide in rubbish or objects left outside overnight. Care should therefore be taken when picking up debris etc. Their bite is rarely felt but is noticed later when the wound starts to swell and two tiny spots become visible where the fangs have penetrated the skin. The bite is very painful and the whole body can ache especially the legs. Other symptoms include shock, fever, nausea, headache, raised blood pressure, difficulty in breathing and heavy sweating. However most bite victims recover completely within two days. If bitten seek medical attention and always reassure the victim. Treatment includes intravenous salts and pain killers which alleviate symptoms.