"Black widow" strikes in Devon

Monday, July 30 2007 11:32:15 by Editor

The false black widow spider, a species not native to the UK, has struck in Devon.

Geraldine Williamson was in her garden when she was bitten on the thumb. She was admitted to hospital soon after, suffering breathing problems.

She was kept under observation for several hours, before being sent home with her arm in traction. Currently being treated with antibiotics, she told the BBC that she still feels feverish.

Unlike its legendarily deadly namesake, the false black widow (Steatoda Nobilis) is brown and round with pale markings. The black widow - found in the southern states of the US - is darker and glossier, with a distinctive red hourglass marking.

Mrs Williamson said: "I was just outside the back door sweeping up some garden debris and leaves with a dustpan and brush when suddenly I felt as if my thumb was on fire with all these sharp needles digging into my thumb.

"Within seconds my thumb was numb. It swelled right up and was turning black very, very fast."

The Natural History Museum has asked Ms Williamson to trap the spider and send it on to them.

It also advises that attacks of this kind are increasing as the non-native species grows more common in southern England.

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