Notes on the biology and geographical distribution of spiders of the genus Loxosceles
Schenone, H.; Letonja, T.
Boletin Chileno de Parasitologia 30(1-2): 27-29
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0365-9402 PMID: 1174421 Document Number: 90768
Notes are given on the duration of development and feeding habits of spiders of the genus Loxosceles, the habitats they frequent and their geographical distribution. Females produce an average of 88 eggs, from which adults develop in about 300-400 days. The life-span according to species and other factors varies from some 300 to about 2000 days. About 17 species have been recorded in Africa and Europe and nearly 50 in the Americas. The main species known to inflict poisonous bites on man are L. laeta (Nicolet) in South America, L. reclusa Gertsch & Mulaik in the central and southern United States, L. rufescens (Duf.), which is considered cosmopolitan, and L. gaucho Gertsch.