1School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
3Social Determinants of Health Research Center and Department of Environment Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Social Determinants of Health Research Center and Department of Environment Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
*Corresponding authors' Address: Department of Medical Entomology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, E-mail: hamid.kassiri@yahoo.com
Online Published on 17 January, 2024.
The genus Latrodectus (Theridiidae) Walckenaer, 1805 includes species which are generally known as widow spiders, and are medically-important for their very neurotoxic venom. At present, there are 32 species of this genus in the world. The medical syndrome that is caused by their bites is reported as Latrodectism which can result in a variety of symptoms (in some rare cases, death) including sweating, the hardness of stomach muscles, aches and local pain. This descriptive study aimed to identify the habitats of the black widow spider (Latrodectus dahli) in the desert and mountainous areas of Kashan Country (Qamsar, Ghohrud, Kashan, Ardahal, and Ravand) in Isfahan Province and Naraq in Markazi Province, Iran, in September and October 2021. The results showed that Latrodectus dahli was found only in Ghohrud. It is noteworthy that female black widow spider was observed in this region with their egg capsules. Since Kashan County is among the natural habitats of the black widow spider, farmers and workers are recommended to wear special gloves and boots while at work.
Black widow spider, Iran, Latrodectism, Latrodectus dahli
