Which spider species is associated with a neurotoxin causing muscle cramps and nausea?

• A. Brown recluse
• B. Tarantula
• C. Black widow
• D. Wolf spider

Answer: (C)

This item tests recognizing which spiderbite can produce systemic, neurotoxic effects like muscle cramps and nausea. The venom of the black widow contains a neurotoxin that causes widespread neurotransmitter release at nerve endings, leading to painful muscle cramps, abdominal cramping, nausea, sweating, and other systemic symptoms. That pattern fits the clinical picture described. The brown recluse typically causes local tissue necrosis rather than cramps or widespread neurotoxic symptoms; tarantula bites are generally not associated with significant systemic neurotoxic effects in most people; wolf spider bites are usually mild with limited local pain. So the spider linked to muscle cramps and nausea from its neurotoxic venom is the black widow.