Neurotoxic-venom
Guides
Himacerus apterus
tree damsel bug
Himacerus apterus, commonly known as the tree damsel bug, is a predatory hemipteran in the family Nabidae. It is native to Eurasia and was first recorded in North America from eastern Nova Scotia between 1943 and 1989. The species exhibits wing polymorphism, with most individuals being brachypterous (short-winged). It is a generalist predator of small arthropods and has been considered for biological control applications, though cannibalism complicates mass rearing efforts.
Latrodectus
widow spiders, black widow spiders, brown widow spiders
Latrodectus is a genus of cobweb spiders (Theridiidae) containing approximately 34-35 species distributed worldwide except Antarctica. Females are typically dark-colored with distinctive reddish ventral abdominal markings, often hourglass-shaped, while males and juveniles frequently display dorsal red or red-and-white patterns. The genus is medically significant due to potent venom containing the neurotoxin latrotoxin, which causes the condition latrodectism. Despite their reputation, bites rarely cause death in humans. The common name "widow spiders" derives from observations of sexual cannibalism, though this behavior is more common in laboratory settings than in nature.