The scorching sands of the Karakum Desert are far from lifeless. The region has a surprisingly rich fauna, with spiders playing a significant role. Arachnologists have documented 54 species in the area, and new ones continue to be discovered. In 2024 alone, scientists identified two new species—and that’s likely not the end.
Karakurt or “Black Widow” (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus)
One of the most dangerous desert dwellers, despite its small size. Males are only 4–7 mm long, while females grow up to 7–15 mm. Its venom is about 15 times stronger than that of a snake, though the quantity is small. Still, fatal cases from bites have been reported. Symptoms appear quickly: sharp pain starts at the bite site and spreads through the body within 10–15 minutes.
Treatment includes a special antivenom. Intravenous injections of novocaine, 10% calcium gluconate, magnesium sulfate, painkillers, and anticonvulsants are also effective. Cauterizing the bite with a hot object, like a match, may help destroy some of the venom. However, making cuts at the bite site or attempting to suck out the venom is considered ineffective and even harmful.
Studies show that domestic cats, dogs, and long-eared hedgehogs are largely immune to karakurt venom. For this reason, nomads in the East traditionally kept cats to hunt these dangerous creatures. Sheep usually recover, though they suffer prolonged pain. Camels and horses, however, are highly sensitive to the venom, and without treatment, the mortality rate among bitten animals can reach 25%.
The name “karakurt” means “black insect” in Turkic languages. These spiders have a black body with three rows of spots—red in females and whitish in males. Some adults, especially mature females, may lack spots entirely. Karakurt are predators that rely on keen eyesight and are active both day and night.
The European name “black widow” refers to the female’s habit of eating the male after mating. Some males avoid this fate by offering prey to the female as a “gift.” Periodic population booms occur every 10–12 years in some areas, and every 25 years in others.
South Russian Tarantula or Mizgir (Lycosa singoriensis)
These are relatively large spiders. Adult females reach up to 31 mm, males up to 27 mm. Their bodies, legs, and chelicerae are densely covered with hair. Their olive-brown coloring helps them blend into the desert surroundings. Unlike many spiders, they don’t spin webs to catch prey but dig burrows 300–400 mm deep. When an insect comes close, they leap out to attack.
Their venom is generally not dangerous to humans or large animals. A bite is often compared to a hornet sting—painful but usually harmless. Most effects are local, such as swelling. Some people may have allergic reactions. In rare cases, the skin around the bite may turn yellow and remain discolored for up to two months.
Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium punctorium)
A medium-sized spider, reaching up to 15 mm in length. Common in the arid steppes and deserts of Central Asia. Not as dangerous as the karakurt. Its bite is generally as painful as a wasp sting. However, some people may experience stronger reactions, such as fever or nausea.
Females are more likely to bite, especially during breeding season when they guard their egg sac—around 40 mm long—hidden in tall grass.