THE BROWN WIDOW SPIDER LURKS IN SoCAL

THE BROWN WIDOW SPIDER (Latrodectus geometricus)

Source: http://cisr.ucr.edu/brown_widow_spider.html UC Riverside_8-18-12 and The California Newspaper Front Page (section A)_July 8, 2012

Yuck. I despise spiders – sorry, but I really do. I know our ecology needs them. I know they are somewhat good for a garden in controlling other damaging insects/flies. But do they have to bite us? Seriously, the honey bee doesn’t sting unless it’s harassed, but it seems spiders love to get out and chomp. The good news is? (If you can call it that):

The Brown Widow Spider population is on the rise in Southern California, and edging out the more toxic relative, the Black Widow Spider’s natural habitat. The bite of the Brown Widow is less venomous and they are currently outnumbering the Black Widow.  They like to “hang” out underneath patio furniture and a bit more element exposed areas, too. Oh, they still love the cool dark wet places like under wood piles, dark cornered storage sheds, cluttered side of homes, and so on. 

Here are the quick differences of the Brown Widow: they are three-quarters the size of Black Widows, are tan with an Orange hourglass underneath, have a less toxic bite (but still dangerous-be careful!), and have spiked ivory ball-like egg sacs hanging from their renowned disheveled web-making. They don’t appear as scary looking, either.  In fact, immature Brown Widows are hard to differentiate from some other brown garden varieties until their notable markings appear, so be on guard. 

Black Widow Spider Bite on Human Flesh

When it comes to the “scare” factor … the Black Widow still wins. Probably all the Halloween images, seasonal scary garden décor, costume accessories, wall art, Patio Party decorations, and so on.  You may look at brownie say without much fear, “Hmmm, what spider is that brown bubble butt spotted thing?” Let this be a warning … they still have a toxic chomp that needs medical care ASAP. Be on the lookout around your outdoor space. This is one spider, I for one, can do without.