Shopper takes Black Widow spider home in a bunch of grapes
An unsuspecting shopper took home more than they bargained for a black widow spider nesting in a bunch of grapes.The supermarket where the fruit was purchased no longer has any of the shipment in stock.Government is now warning residents to wash and examine fruits and vegetables carefully, before they are consumed.“The intercepted spider displayed the classic hour-glass marking characteristic of Widow spiders, and appears to be an immature Black Widow or a male Black Widow,” said a Government spokeswoman.“Black Widow spiders do not develop the classic black colouration until they are mature, and adult males resemble immature females.”The spider was properly identified by the government entomologist, the spokeswoman added.An e-mail circulating the Island warned that “an unusual spider” had been found.An accompanying photo showed a spider hidden in a cluster of grapes.In the past, black widows have been accidentally imported on fruit and vegetable shipments, as well as construction material.A spokeswoman said: “The Department of Environmental Protection is taking every precaution to prevent spiders and other insects travelling to Bermuda and encourages the public to thoroughly wash and examine fruits and vegetables before consumption.”