SANParks.org Forums

Yes, as the others mentioned, the egg sack is the definitive way to make a positive i.d.

Hi Folks

We do not get Black Widows (Latrodectus mactans) in Africa. We do getr Black button spiders which are a different species, different behaviour and very different venomosity. Black button spiders are extremely rare in the urban environment. They prefer the natural environment, away from habitation. Our black button spiders DO NOT HAVE A RED HOURGLASS (excuse me for shouting). Our Brown button spider are common in the urban environment and are a fraction venomous as the Black button Spider.

Another snippet of info is that there are no medical records of anyonw dying from a Black button spider bite in Southern Africa in the past 50 years.

If you find a spider with a red hourglass marking under the abdomen it is a Brown button spider.

Kind regards
ScorpionKing