4 Most Venomous Spiders in Mississippi

Mississippi is a state in the United States known for its vibrant music, culture, and natural beauty. It is a wellspring of natural charm, prevalent through notable outdoor attractions like the ancient trees of the Mississippi Petrified Forest and the scenic route of the Natchez Trace Parkway. With these and other diverse environments, like the Mississippi River, wildlife is abundant throughout the state, and so are spiders.

In total, the state houses 29 spiders, out of which most are harmless. That said, four species are known to be venomous and boast tons of unique features, including a potent bite. Let's delve into these four spider species, from the brown recluse to the Southern black widow, so you know which ones to look out for when out and about in Mississippi.

Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)

The brown recluse spider is a recluse spider prominent in North America. While most common in Nebraska, Texas, Iowa, and Ohio, Mississippi is also home to a notable population of these spiders. As the name suggests, the brown recluse spider boasts a brown coloration throughout its body except for a violin marking on its cephalothorax (where the body attaches to the legs). It can grow up to a size of one inch, and unlike most spiders, this species has six eyes instead of eight.

Brown recluse spiders tend to build their webs in isolated areas, such as sheds, closets, and also cardboard within houses. Due to this, human contact is common, which can sometimes lead to bites. Due to its necrotic venom, a bite from this spider leads to symptoms such as necrosis, pain, vomiting, and, in rare cases, hemolysis (blood clots). If bitten, it is essential to seek immediate medical care, especially if the victim is a child. Thankfully, brown recluses are known to be quite timid and will avoid biting humans. A great example occurred in 2001 when 2,000 of these spiders were removed from a home, yet none of the four residents were ever bit.

Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus)

While its name may start with the same word as the brown recluse, the brown widow is a different species part of the widow spiders. It is a cousin of the famed black widow and is native to Africa. Over the years, the spider has been introduced to new areas such as India, Poland, Australia, and the United States. Today, it is one of Mississippi’s four venomous spider species and can be identified by the black and white abdominal patterns on its tan to dark brown body. This spider also has an orange to yellow colored hourglass marking on its abdomen and prominent black stripes on its legs. Adult brown widow spiders can reach lengths of 1.5 inches with their legs extended.

As a tropical species, the brown widow tends to stay in outdoor areas, such as tree stumps, woodpiles, and rocks. This reduces the chances of human encounters, leading to less contact and fewer bites. Even if bitten, the brown widow’s neurotoxic venom is not fatal. At most, a bite will lead to some numbness and pain around the site. Unless you notice further symptoms, hospitalization is usually not necessary after a brown widow bite.

Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)

The infamous southern black widow spider is another one of Mississippi’s venomous spiders. This species is part of the widow spiders and is native to North America, primarily found in the southeastern United States. In terms of its appearance, this spider boasts a shiny black coloration across its body except for the underside of its abdomen. Here, the black widow has a bright red hourglass marking, which is its key identifying mark. Southern black widows are pretty small, with an average length between 0.3 and 0.5 inches, smaller than a penny.

While often portrayed as one of the most venomous species in the world, southern black widow spider bites are rarely fatal. To start, only adult females have chelicerae (venom-injecting fangs) long enough to inject venom into humans. If you are bitten by one of these spiders, the fatality rate is less than 1%. Most bites to healthy individuals will only cause symptoms such as pain, hypertension, sweating, swelling, and numbness. Quick medical attention and the availability of an antivenom reduce the likelihood of severe symptoms.

Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)

A close cousin of the southern black widow, the northern black widow is another member of the widow spiders in Mississippi. Northern black widows primarily reside in Middle Atlantic states, although they can be found as far as southern Canada and Wisconsin. They are quite similar to the southern black widow in appearance, with a black coloration and red hourglass marking on their back. That said, unlike their cousin, the red hourglass on a northern black widow has a significant gap in the center, often referred to as a “broken hourglass.” The spider also has reddish-orange markings on the top of its abdomen which become more prominent with maturity.

A bite from the northern black widow warrants urgent medical attention due to an array of symptoms. One of the most prominent is latrodectism, an illness caused by a bite that leads to muscle rigidity, pain, swelling, and more. Additionally, local redness, nausea, and vomiting can last up to a week after a bite. Thankfully, bites are rarely fatal, and the northern black widow spider does not bite unless provoked.

Conclusion

While Mississippi is home to several venomous spiders, such as the brown recluse, brown widow, southern black widow, and northern black widow, most encounters with them are rare and avoidable. These spiders generally prefer secluded areas and only bite in self-defense. While their venom can cause discomfort and symptoms ranging from mild pain to more serious reactions, fatalities are exceedingly rare. Knowing how to identify these species and taking precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when exploring Mississippi’s beautiful outdoors. Always seek medical attention if bitten, especially if symptoms worsen.