BLACK WIDOW TERROR.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 September 1927, Page 1

BLACK WIDOW TERROR.

TWENTY VICTIMS IN TWO MONTHS. ‘•The Black Widow” has inaugurated a reign of terror in Southern California and Arizona. Already her victims number 20, all men. ‘‘The Black Widow” according to scientists in Los Angeles, is a small black spider, the most deadly that lias ever appeared in North America. Known to entomlogists as Latrodectus mac-tans, the insect also has the more popular names of “Black Widow” “Shnebntton.” and “Hourglass” spider. In some cases death followed within 24 hours of its bite. In addition to the known total of 20 victims in two months, scientists believe the spider responsible for other deaths attributed bv hospitals to “blood-poisoning.” Until recently it was believed that the spider did not exist in North America. hut. now it is considered certain that it was introduced from Oriental ports concealed in fruit or lumber. Specimens have been found near lumber yards, but in each instance, fearing the inevitable panic, scientists kept their presence secret until an intensive combing of the surrounding district convinced them that all the insects were captured. Despite the scientists’ reassuring statements against panic, persona Tviti visions of sudden death and "bodiefi

bloated and discoloured by the insect’s venom are shunning all spiders. i—ww* l gjj tmwmummn