Abstract

This study investigates the Black Widow spider (Latrodectus cinctus) in Baghdad, Iraq. Limited knowledge exists regarding its distribution, behavior, and public health impact within the city. The research aims to identify the distribution and abundance of Latrodectus cinctus in Baghdad, analyze the ecological factors influencing its presence in urban environments, assess the public health implications of Black Widow spider bites, raise awareness about the risks associated with this spider, and propose management strategies to mitigate these risks. Field surveys, laboratory analyses, and data modeling will be employed. Black Widow spiders were collected on July 11, 2023, from the Abu Ghraib district, west of Baghdad. Morphological characteristics were used for identification following established protocols.