The black widow spider’s 0 notoriety is not without foundation. However, an element of exaggeration has led to certain 17 regarding its evil nature.

Firstly, while it is indeed one of the most venomous species of spider, its venom being 15 times stronger than that of the prairie rattlesnake, its bite injects such a small amount of venom in 18 that it is unlikely to kill humans. In fact 19 are rare.

Black widows bite only if they are touched or their web is threatened, and only the adult female is poisonous. The female is 20 by nature, and has been known to kill and eat the male after mating. Such 21 are rare, but they explain how the spider got its name – and its reputation.

Nevertheless, the 22 effects of this spider’s bite should not be 23 , and if you live in a certain climate and have a fireplace in your home, it is advisable to take 24 . Black widow spiders often inhabit wood piles, so you should wear gloves when handling firewood.