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(Brown Widow) with Information on Other Common Spiders of Guam

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(Brown Widow) with Information on Other Common Spiders of Guam Medical Entomology Consulting Population size and distribution of Latrodectus geometricus (brown widow) with information on other common spiders of Guam Submitted to: 36 MED/SGOAH - Andersen AFB, Guam Consultative Letter #: IERA-DO-BR-CL-2001-0062 Prepared by: Detachment 3, AFIERA/CDM Kadena AB, Okinawa 12July2001 DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE DETACHMENT 3, AIR FORCE INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY, AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RISK ANALYSIS (AFIERA) (AFMC) APO AP 96368-5213 MEMORANDUM FOR 36 MED/SGOAH 12July01 FROM: Detachment 3, AFIERA/CDM Attn: Lt. Mary Ann Haberman, DSN 634-2639 Unit 5213 APO AP 96368-5213 Subject: Population size and distribution of introduced Brown Widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) and the threat to military personnel and dependents on Andersen AFB, Guam, USA. Consultative Letter, IERA-DO-BR-CL-2001-0062 1. Introduction: An exotic species of spider, Latrodectus geometricus, (the brown widow) belonging to the widow family Theridiidae was recently found near the AMC Terminal on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The recent introduction of the brown widow more than likely originated from one or more of the cargo flights into the AMC terminal. As this spider species is not known to occur on the island, a spider survey was conducted to determine the population size and distribution of the brown widow. This report details the population size and present locations of these spiders, and provides information on other common spiders of Guam. Recommendations are provided to minimize the already small risk of encounter with the brown widow and possible control measures. Extensive evidence of the brown widow was found in two isolated locations near the AMC Terminal and surrounding buildings. These spiders pose minimal threat to humans however, since the population in this location is large and widow populations are known to undergo extreme fluctuations, a management program is suggested and detailed in this report. 2. Survey Personnel and Contacts: SSgt Kevin Richards 36th MED/SGOAH Arm Stephanie Cash 36th MED/SGOAH 1Lt Mary Ann Haberman Det 3, AFIERA 3. Background and Survey Techniques: a. There are four distinct terrestrial habitats on Guam and all provide differing habitats for insect and spider populations. Because of the differing habitats, several survey techniques were used to sample spider populations, (1.) The limestone forest is the natural forested area and grows only where limestone rock is present. Most of northern Guam was once covered with limestone forest, but at present the only remaining tracts are located along the rugged coastal cliff lines or on military installations. (2.) The wetlands, including streams, swamps, and ponds are also located throughout the island. Wetlands hold water for extended period of the year and are extremely fertile. These areas support a wide variety of plant and animal life which are able to sustain in saturated environments. (3.) The savanna, or grassland, is also an important landscape feature and occupies a large portion of southern Guam. The red clay soil in this area sustains a variety of grasses and mosses. (4.) The mangroves and estuaries of Guam consist of freshwater rivers and ocean water mixing to create brackish estuaries. The sheltered shorelines and mangroves provide ideal habitat for many kinds of animals, plants and insects/spiders. b. The highly variable habitat types on Guam provide rich diversity for local flora and fauna populations. Consequently, several survey techniques are required to successfully sample spider populations. The most useful method of spider collection for all of the habitat types is visual inspection/collection (Fig. 1). In the limestone forests, sticky traps were also places in locations where spiders are likely to be found. Sweep nets were also used to collect from the undergrowth and in the grassy Savanna habitat. c. Buildings and other man-made structures provide a sizable habitat for these opportunistic spiders so an extensive survey was conducted in/around the buildings at Andersen Air Force Base. A visual survey was performed at the AMC Terminal beginning with the main building and the surrounding structures working outward in concentric circles. Housing areas were also intensely surveyed as these spiders may also be found in the crates transported into housing areas. Figure 1. Inspection/collection survey method 4. Discussion: a. Spiders of Medical Importance on Guam: There have been 30 families of spider documented on Guam to date and of those, only two venomous spider species capable of biting humans were collected on Andersen Air Force Base and the surrounding area. Latrodectus geometricus (brown widow) of the family Theridiidae (comb footed spiders), and Chiracanthium spp. (yellow sac spider) of the family Clubididae (hunting spiders) are both capable of biting humans. Of the two medically important spiders, only the yellow sac spider has necrotizing venom capable of causing skin lesions. Though the brown widow venom does not cause necrotizing lesions on the skin, the venom can cause muscle cramping and pain at the site of the bite. Details on these medically important spiders, along with descriptions of other locally common spiders are given below. 1. Family Theridiidae: This very large family contains spiders found throughout the world with 24 genera and nearly 2400 species. The Genus Lactrodectus containing the brown widows belongs to this family with more than 10 species found worldwide. Though none are native to Guam, the brown widow, Latrectus geometricus is now found in an isolated area on Andersen Air Force Base. The area directly behind the AMC Terminal provides a multitude of prime habitats for brown widows and a very large population was found in the A/C unit near the flight line (Fig. 2). Nearly every instar (developmental stage) was represented in the survey indicating that the population is well established and has likely been in place for more than one season. The best way to determine the age of a population of spiders is to investigate the genetic diversity of spiders found in close proximity. The more genetic diversity, the longer the population has been in place. The results of a genetic diversity study are pending. The life history and biology of these spiders is well documented. Evidence of spiders such as webbing, egg cases and brown widows themselves are found in dark, out of the way places including storage sheds, brickwork, eaves, discarded building material, storm sewers, down spouts, outdoor lighting, and under outdoor furniture. These spiders are nocturnal and construct an irregular, unorganized, loosely woven web 1-6 feet above the ground. The web usually contains raisin sized “cottony” egg sacs, grass clippings and often other debris. Brown widows are light brown in color and have a reddish hour-glass marking on the underside of their abdomen (Fig. 3). Female brown widows have a series of markings on the sides of their abdomen and bands/rings on their legs (Fig. 4). Abdominal markings and leg bands become less apparent in older females. Figure 2. A/C Unit behind the AMC Terminal. Figure 3. Reddish hour-glass marking on the Figure 4. Dark bands on the joints underside of the abdomen on a female brown of the legs on a female brown widow, widow, Latrodectus geometricus . Latrodectus geometricus. Given the life history of the brown widow, the risk they pose to humans is minimal. In general, brown widows bite when trapped against the skin either by reaching under objects where the spider is hiding or when putting on clothing, gloves or shoes containing the spider. Latrodectus spiders are generally very timid and only bite as a last defense when they accidentally contact humans. Few bites are reported from immature or male widows, whose short fangs may not penetrate the skin. Symptoms from bites are systemic, spreading through the lymphatic system and usually start about 1-3 hours post-bite, whereupon the patient seeks treatment. The most common symptoms are intense pain, rigid board-like stomach muscles, muscle cramping, malaise, local sweating, nausea, oliguria, vomiting and hypertension. Although abdominal rigidity is one of the clinically diagnostic symptoms in many widow bites, it does not appear to be common in L. hasselti (red-back) bites. If left untreated, Latrodectus bite symptoms usually last 3-5 days. Calcium gluconate and/or antivenom may be administered to releive or counteract symptoms. Apparently, some local hospitals carry the antivenom, though their use is controversial due to potential for allergic reactions to the horse-serum antivenom. Historically, widow bites have killed approximately 5% of its human victims. Despite the effects widow venom has on muscle activity, there is no long term effect to the human body. The bite site may have localized swelling and two fang marks may be seen where the skin was penetrated. In untreated cases, a rash may develop in several days. Diagnosis is more assured from the definitive systemic symptoms. 2. Family Clubionidae: Yellow Sac Spiders (Chiracanthium spp.) are found worldwide and are typically medium-sized (6-10 mm body length) and pale yellow with black cheilcerae (housing for the fangs). There are over 1500 genera of sac spiders found worldwide with highly variable reactions to their bites. These spiders are commonly found in leaf litter or walking about on foliage. They do not use a web in prey capture; they actively hunt prey and can be observed in gardens or along the edge of vegetation. Those found in the Pacific area are nocturnal hunters that tend to be yellowish-orange in color. They spin silken retreats in curled up leaves or in crevices into which they return after hunting and when threatened. Yellow sac spiders rarely infest housing so the chance of encounter is slim. In other parts of the world, bites from these spiders have been reported to occur at night when spiders encounter a sleeping human.
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