Venomics approach reveals a high proportion of Lactrodectus-like toxins in Steatoda nobilis venom - First link to post-bite symptomology

The Noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis has expanded its range globally and may represent a potential threat to native ecosystems and public health. Envenomations can result in local and systemic neurotoxic symptoms, similar to true black widows (genus Latrodectus). We used transcriptomic and proteomic cutting-edge approaches to deeply characterise S. nobilis venom. Among the toxins, the most represented in numbers are α-latrotoxins, 𝛿-latroinsectotoxins and latrodectins, which were first characterised from black widow venoms.
Approximately two-thirds of the venom is composed of Latrodectus-like toxins. We present symptomology from 23 cases (15 unpublished) of S.nobilis envenomations confirming necrosis and Latrodectus-like symptoms such as debilitating pain, tremors, fatigue, nausea and hypotension. The continued rising numbers of S. nobilis will undoubtedly result in further bites and this study will help provide the medical community with a better understanding of the potential medical outcomes from bites by this species and alert them to the possibility of medically important outcomes.