The False Widow: Southampton's Angriest Arachnid
As summer crawls closer, so do these Arachnid fiends. Say hello to the False widow spider—England’s most poisonous critter and a Southampton regular.
Experts say that this species is on the increase along with our climate; but just what exactly is the False widow spider? And how dangerous is its bite?
Here is five facts to clue you up…
How to Identify the Widow
The False widow spider is about the size of a 50p coin, and is most commonly found in South East England, especially in the Southampton region.
False widows' have a brown abdomen, with cream coloured markings which closely resemble a skull!
It's Bite!
The False widow administers a numbing agent in its bite. Whilst not life threatening, a sting can cause severe swelling and ulceration, and it is recommended you visit Accident and Emergency as soon as you are bitten.
Like a wasps sting, the False widows pose the most danger to those who are allergic to its bite.
Life Threatening?
In special circumstances their bite can be life threatening. Stephanie Georgiou—a student in North London—feared she would lose her whole hand after a False widow bit her on a date in Enfield’s ‘Cineworld’. The poison spread through her veins, causing a high temperature and dizziness. Luckily, Chase Farm hospital patched her up, leaving only mild scarring.
Their Not the Only Ones!
The False widow is not the only spider in the UK that will bite you. Out of the UK’s 650 species, there are 12 who pose a potential danger. Whilst all of these 12 will give you a nip, only the False widow can administer a potentially harmful poison.
Their Numbers Are Increasing!
Their numbers are predicted to increase in correlation to our temperature according to every reputable scientists, so expect to see more of these insects in years to come!
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