Button spider
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 range of L. indistinctus
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 range of L. karooensis
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Approx. 6, see article |
The term button spider is a term used in southern Africa to refer to local members of the spider genus Latrodectus, a subset of the family Theridiidae. These spiders are commonly known as widow spiders elsewhere in the world. There are approximately six Latrodectus species found in southern Africa--five of them native, one possibly imported. All species (like all members of Latrodectus) are venomous to man, and whose bite constitutes a medical emergency. Envenomation by these spiders can be fatal to children and ill or infirm adults. Ordinarily, the body mass of a healthy adult is sufficient to dilute the venom to less than a fatal concentration.
The button spiders are divided into two groups; based roughly on color:
The black button spiders are black in color (and generally adorned with red dorsal markings), and include the following species:
- L. cinctus (east coast button spider)
- L. indistinctus (west coast button spider)
- L. karooensis (karoo button spider)
- L. renivulvatus (inland button spider)
All of these spiders are native to southern Africa.
The brown button spiders are lighter in color than the black button spiders; there are two brown button species:
- L. geometricus (house button spider)
- L. rhodesienses (Zimbabwe button spider)
L. geometricus is found in many parts of the world (including in the United States where it is known as the brown widow spider); it is unknown where this species' origins are. L. rhosesienses is native to Africa. Both brown button species have the famed hourglass markings of the black widow on their abdomens, but are generally lighter in color. The brown button spiders' venom is less toxic to humans than the venom of the black buttons.
