Beware the Bite A Guide to Arkansas' Most Venomous Spiders

Numerous venomous spiders that can be dangerous to people can be found in Arkansas, a state known for its varied topography and profusion of animals.

Even though these arachnids are not very common, it is important to understand the risks and take the appropriate safety measures to prevent getting bitten.

This page will discuss the venomous spiders that may be found in Arkansas, as well as some of its traits and possible threats.

Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)

The second species of Black Widow in Arkansas is the Southern Black Widow. Even while they resemble their northern counterparts quite a bit, there is one method to tell them distinct if you look attentively.

Similar to their Northern counterparts, Southern Black widows weave their webs in places that provide protection, such sheds, cellars, old barns, woodpiles, and other places where they can nest without being disturbed.

Even with a stick or gloves on, resist the urge to brush away any webs you come across in these locations. Black widows can readily scamper up a stick or across a glove to reach exposed skin, and they are known to hurry out to explore hazards.

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Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)

Native to the United States, the brown recluse spider is a medium-sized, poisonous spider with lengthy legs. Males are slightly smaller than females, with legs measuring one inch.

They are typically 0.25 to 0.5 inches long. This spider has a tan or brown body and no noticeable markings, giving it a quite average appearance. When they’re inside, they weave webs in untouched corners that resemble traditional cobweb shapes. They create a tube or cocoon around themselves when it’s cold outside to keep warm.

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During the day, they would rather remain hidden, but they are active at night. The majority of bites occur between June and October, when the spiders are actively seeking a partner.

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Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)

The most well-known venomous spiders are black widows, which are feared for their extremely poisonous bite. Within 30 to 60 minutes of being bitten, severe symptoms can develop; they begin as bite site discomfort and get worse over time. Usually, a bite appears as two tiny red pinpricks.

All in Arkansas, one can find the Northern Black Widow. Their bodies are spherical and black, and they have a red pattern on their belly that resembles an hourglass.

Males are smaller and occasionally have lighter colored patterns on their abdomen, such as red or white spots, rather than the distinctive hourglass on their abdomen. Females are usually 0.5 to 1.5 inches long.

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Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus)

Although not as poisonous as Black widows, brown widow spider bites can nevertheless result in excruciating pain, nausea, and perhaps even muscular soreness. They are lighter and smaller than Black Widows, and they both have the hourglass marking, while Brown Widows’ is colored yellow or orange.

The body of the spider can be either dark brown or tan.

Although they are not indigenous to the country, brown widows have flourished in the warm weather of the southern states, including Texas, California, and Arkansas.

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Since Brown Widows favor slightly more exposed sites such wooded areas, empty pots, outdoor furniture, and woodpiles, people are more likely to encounter them than Black Widows.

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