Medically Significant Spiders
When most people think of Europe, they imagine historic cities and rolling countrysides, not dangerous arachnids. However, while most European spiders are harmless, two species demand a level of medical respect: the European Black Widow and the Mediterranean Recluse.
The Mediterranean Heavyweights
The European Black Widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) is the continent’s most famous venomous resident. Recognisable by the thirteen red spots on its black abdomen, it thrives in dry, warm Mediterranean steppes. Its venom is neurotoxic, triggering a condition known as latrodectism. Victims may experience intense muscle cramps, nausea, and chest pain.
In contrast, the Mediterranean Recluse (Loxosceles rufescens) prefers the shadows of human dwellings. Often found in dark, dusty basements or crevices, this spider possesses necrotic venom. A bite can lead to slow-healing skin ulcers and tissue destruction, though systemic reactions are rare.
| Feature | European Black Widow | Mediterranean Recluse |
| Scientific Name | Latrodectus tredecimguttatus | Loxosceles rufescens |
| Venom Type | Neurotoxic | Necrotic (Tissue-destroying) |
| Typical Habitat | Dry, warm grasslands/steppes | Dark, dusty indoor spaces |
| Key Symptom | Severe muscle cramps (Latrodectism) | Persistent skin ulcers |