Neurotoxic
Guides
Latrodectus variolus
Northern Black Widow, Northern Widow
Latrodectus variolus is a venomous spider in the family Theridiidae, native to northeastern North America. It is closely related to the southern black widow (L. mactans) and western black widow (L. hesperus). The species is medically significant due to its neurotoxic venom, though bites are rarely fatal to healthy adults. It has been observed expanding its range northward beyond previously documented boundaries.