A warning has been issued regarding the sudden spread of venomous black widow spiders after the species have been spotted in parts of Russia that they have never been seen before
Fears the deadly black widow is making its way further north in Russia (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Parts of Russia are seeing the deadly black widow spiders for the first time after the species has reportedly spread to regions it has never been seen in before.
The venomous spider has even been spotted in Moscow during a few rare encounters this year with an entomologist believing the species will continue to spread to the north of the country.
According to Russian Telegram channel SHOT, Entomologist Fyodor Martynovchenko believes the spider species could spread further after being spotted in Orenburg, Kurgan, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Saratov, and even Sverdlovsk regions for the first time. There is also belief they could spread to Moscow this summer all due to rising temperatures in Russia, meaning the species can now survive in regions in previously could not.
There are fears spiders may reach Moscow this summer after some isolated encounters in the city (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
There have already been isolated incidents in the Russian capital, according to media outlet RU LIFE, but it is suggested they may have hitched a ride on food or goods to Moscow rather than spread.
Martynovchenko told SHOT that due to global warming, the deadly species could potentially establish themselves in the region of Khakassia, but fears of a widespread population growth across the entire country is not an immediate concern. This is because despite rising temperatures, some areas are still not suitable for the species to survive.
The black widow’s natural habitat in Russia is mainly in the south, such as Rostov , Kalmykia, Dagestan, Stavropol Krai and Krasnodar Krai. Even Ukraine back in May noticed the species was more active in the north of the country.
The black widow has been spotted in parts of Russia never seen before (stock) (Image: Getty Images)
Attacks by the lethal black widow spider have already been reported in Russia with 14 people reported to have been injured.
The latest recorded victim was a 15-year-old boy in Kalachevsky, who reportedly almost died from the bite, according to Russian media outlets.
The boy was rushed to hospital in critical condition after being bitten on the foot. He reportedly a burning pain spread from his leg to his abdomen in back in just seconds. Thankfully the boy survived the attack due to gaining medical assistance quickly.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
