latrodectus mactans

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Word: Latrodectus mactans

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Latrodectus mactans is a type of spider commonly known as the black widow spider. It is a venomous spider found in North America. The female black widow is recognizable by her shiny black body and the distinctive hourglass-shaped red mark on the underside of her abdomen.

Explanation:

• Venomous: This means that the spider can produce poison that can harm other animals or humans if it bites them.
• New World: This term refers to the Americas, where this spider is commonly found.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "Latrodectus mactans" when talking about spiders, especially in a scientific context or when discussing nature and wildlife. For example, if you are studying spiders or talking to someone about dangerous animals, you might mention this specific spider.

Example Sentence:

• "The Latrodectus mactans, or black widow spider, is often feared due to its potent venom."

Advanced Usage:

In scientific discussions, you might encounter the term in research papers or biology classes when discussing arachnids (the class of animals that includes spiders).

Word Variants:

• Black Widow: This is the common name for Latrodectus mactans. It can be used interchangeably in most contexts.
• Latrodectus species: Refers to other types of widow spiders that belong to the same genus.

Different Meanings:

• The term "black widow" can also refer to a woman who has lost her spouse and may be seen as dangerous in a metaphorical sense, but this is not related to the spider itself.

Synonyms:

• Black widow spider (most common synonym)
• Widow spider (a more general term that can refer to different species within the same family)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no widely-used idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "latrodectus mactans." However, you might hear phrases like "play with fire," which means to engage in a risky or dangerous activity, similar to how one might feel about encountering a venomous spider.

In Summary:

Latrodectus mactans is a notable venomous spider known for its distinctive appearance and potential danger.

Academic

Noun

1. venomous New World spider; the female is black with an hourglass-shaped red mark on the underside of the abdomen

Synonyms

• black widow
• Latrodectus mactans