These spiders live in temperate and tropical latitudes in stone walls, crevices, and woodpiles, as well at outhouses, barns, stables, and rubbish piles. They molt multiple times and can change colors as a result. The female spider is most toxic in summer and causes problems by spinning webs over ready-maid holes, such us the seat in outdoor toilets.
Bites occur when the spider is disturbed.
The neurotoxic venom of the Latrodectus genus contains six active components with a molecular weight of 5,000-130,000 Dalton. The venom affects the motor nerve end plates of neuromuscular synaptic membranes by the bindings of gangliosides and glycoproteins at the synapses. The result is the excessive stimulation of motor nerve end plates. It is necessary should note that venom spreads through the lymphatic system. The neurotoxic venom produces symptoms after 15 minutes to six hours later.