They are usually found in dry, secluded, dimly lit areas. More than 80 percent of all bite victims are adult men. Black widow spider bites are the leading cause of death from spider bites in the United States. The venom is 14 times more toxic than rattlesnake venom. It is a neurotoxin that causes little local reaction but does cause pain and spasms in the larger muscle groups of the body within 30 minutes to three hours.
Severe bites can cause respiratory failure, coma and death.
Those at the highest risk are children under age 16, the elderly, people with chronic illness and people with high blood pressure. The symptoms usually last 24 to 48 hours. There are two types of brown spiders or brown recluse spiders in Arizona. They are generally brown but can range in color from yellow to dark brown. They are timid with webs in dry undisturbed areas.