NUI Galway researchers are studying the noble false widow spider, an invasive species to Ireland, to better understand the potential impact of its bite. Scientists at NUI Galway have confirmed that a bite from the noble false widow spider could land you in hospital. The noble false widow, or Steatoda nobilis, is a relative newcomer to Irish shores but has become one of the most common species of spider found around urban habitats in parts of Ireland and the UK. “While most cases will have a mild outcome, we need to continue to closely monitor bites by the noble false widow to understand the potential range of symptoms and to treat severe cases when they occur.”The researchers have been compiling confirmed cases of noble false widow bites. “Within the same period, we have recorded dozens of confirmed or probable false widow bites,” she added.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 27, 2021 06:00 UTC