On a bite case of Steatoda triangulosa (Walckenaer) (Arachnida: Theridiidae) on a human being

Abstract

The second case of a bite by the "triangulate false widow" Steatoda triangulosa is reported on a human being. The case occurred in San Vicente, Buenos Aires, Argentina on a female 31 years old victim, who woke up felling a nuisance and spotting the spider on her arm. The spider inflicted two bites causing typical steatodism symptoms including local and radiating pain and malaise which lasted for about a day. In addition, the appearance of an erythema on each bite side that lasted about 10 days plus a haematoma in the first bite site which lasted for 3 days. The implications of the case in the context of current research in steatodism is discussed.