The Black Widow Spider

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Widow spiders are found throughout the world but the primary habitat for the black widow is North America. Which of these species is NOT one found in this area? red-backed spider (Latrodectus hasselti) southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) northern black widow ( Latrodectus varilous) western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus)

2. The female black widow is known for having a red hourglass shape on the underside of her abdomen. How are the male spiders marked? they have no markings at all the same as the female, but male spiders are much smaller in overall size yellow and red bands with spots on the back red crosswise bars on the abdomen

3. The female widow spider produces silk for her web and for the 4-9 egg sacs she lays per year. What type of web and consistency of silk does she have? precisely patterned web, fine silk large irregular web, fine silk large irregular web, strong silk precisely patterned web, strong silk

4. What time of year does the female widow lay her egg sacs? spring summer winter fall (autumn)

5. Of the several hundred eggs per sac, less than a dozen will survive to maturity. What is the most common reason that so many eggs are lost? lack of food mother crushes them improperly formed cannabalism

6. The female widow gained her reputation and name from the custom of eating her partner after mating. In reality, this rarely happens. True False

7. The female black widow is one of the most poisonous creatures with venom more potent than coral snakes, cobras or rattlesnakes. However her bite is rarely fatal in humans. Why not? she cannot inject the poison very deeply both of these neither of these she doesn't inject a large enough amount

8. What is the normal diet of the widow spider? small rodents mud dauber wasps other spiders insects

9. You’ve been bitten by a black widow. What should you do until the help arrives? all of these apply ice to the bite area wash the bite with soap and water treat with antibiotic cream or lotion

10. Luckily you have survived the bite of the black widow but you would like to avoid having that experience again. Which of these preventive measures does NOT work? spray your baseboards with pesticide vacuum up any spiders and egg sacs avoid their entry into the home with weatherstripping and sealing open pipes wear gloves when working outdoors