May 2020 - By Koaw

I was meandering the woods in Northern Virginia, as I often am, looking for a copperhead snake to photograph. I was also flipping smaller logs looking for skinks, smaller snakes, and other cool creatures. A little surprise was waiting for me under one log!

I found this lovely girl and what happened next just set up the perfect way to teach about five really cool defense mechanisms of this really nifty spider.

FIVE DEFENSE MECHANISMS (Discussed in the video)

• Thanatosis (feigning death)

• Aposematism (bright colors on black)

• Neurotoxic venom (the latrotoxins)

• Silk (used as a snare)

• Aggressive posturing (her fun little dance!)

Overall it was a really special experience. She was left unharmed to go about her day and hopefully have a successful future!

Remember that these spiders can be deadly to humans even though death is not likely to result. Should you or someone you are near be bitten by a black widow spider then you should call for medical assistance. The poison control number for the United States is 1-800-222-1222.

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