Watch List
Northern black widows are rare in Ontario but established along the Lake Erie shoreline and occasionally found further inland. The Northern variety is less dangerous than its southern cousins but still capable of a medically significant bite.
Shiny black body. Females 8-13 mm with the distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. Males are smaller and brown with red and white markings. Web is irregular and tangled, usually low to the ground in protected spots.
Best documented along the north shore of Lake Erie, particularly in the Norfolk and Haldimand sand plain areas. Occasionally reported in the Niagara Region. Almost always in outdoor protected spots: under sheds, in woodpiles, in unused gas grills, in rock walls.
Northern black widow venom contains a neurotoxin that causes muscle cramping, sweating, and significant pain that can last hours to days. Bites are very rarely fatal in healthy adults but require medical attention. Children, elderly, and people with heart conditions are at higher risk.
Do not handle. If found indoors, vacuum from a safe distance or call us for removal. If bitten, wash the bite site, apply cold compress, and seek medical attention — call Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017 for guidance.
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