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Name: Matt
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
I live in Fairbanks, Alaska and came across a spider that I've never seen before. It is about 1.5 cm around, dark brown in color, and has an "hour glass" on the underside of it.

I've never seen a black widow except in pictures, but was wondering if this is a relative of one or if the coloring of "black" is a loosely described term.

I have a few cats and they keep coming back with fat lips and injuries to the mouth. I think I found the reason why, but I want to know if these things are a threat to children or adults.


Replies:
There is a "northern widow" that is native across much of N.A. into British Columbia, the hour-glass pattern is "broken," it doesn't seem it would be found as far north as Fairbanks, and the book I have doesn't say much about biting.

J. Elliott


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