Latrodectus karrooensis

Latrodectus karrooensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Theridiidae
Genus: Latrodectus
Species: L. karrooensis
Binomial name
Latrodectus karrooensis
Smithers, 1944[1]

Latrodectus karrooensis is a species of spider in the family Theridiidae, found in South Africa.[1] It is one of six species of Latrodectus found in southern Africa, four of which, including L. karrooensis, are known as black button or black widow spiders. Like all Latrodectus species, L. karrooensis has a neurotoxic venom. It acts on nerve endings, causing the very unpleasant symptoms of latrodectism when humans are bitten.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 "Taxon details Latrodectus karrooensis Smithers, 1944", World Spider Catalog, Natural History Museum Bern, retrieved 2016-02-02
  2. Müller, G.J.; Wium, C.A.; Marks, C.J.; du Plessis, C.E.; Veale, D.J.H., "Spider bite in southern Africa: diagnosis and management", Continuing Medical Education, retrieved 2016-02-02
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