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Latrodectus

Latrodectus

1 9.9
A group of spiders with poisonous bites that includes the black widow
  • noun
  • /ˌlætroʊˈdɛktəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Latrodectus
  • Many people are afraid of the Latrodectus due to its lethal venom.

Examples

  • Monotypic therasaphid, genus latrodectus, obviously at least 4,000 years old.

  • The Latrodectus family includes some of the most dangerous spiders in the world.

  • A Latrodectus bite can cause severe pain and muscle cramps.

Compounds

Latrodectus mactans
  • Specialized
9.9

A venomous spider called the black widow with a black body and a red hourglass under its abdomen

Surface Forms

Latrodectus singular
Latrodecti plural

Etymology

The word Latrodectus is a scientific Latin name for widow spiders, the group that includes the black widow. A helpful way to remember it is that the ending dectus sounds a bit like 'bite', so the name can remind you these spiders are known for their venomous bites.