Read the passage below. Use the word given in bold to form a word that fits in the numbered gap.
BLACK WIDOW SPIDER
The black widow spider’s notoriety is not without foundation. However, an element of exaggeration has led to certain______ (1. CONCEPT) regarding its evil nature. Firstly, this spider is not as dangerous as is often thought. While it is indeed one of the most______ (2. VENOM) species of spider, its venom being fifteen times stronger than that of the prairie rattlesnake, its bite injects such as amount of venom by______ (3. COMPARE) that it is unlikely to kill humans. In fact, ______ (4. FATAL) are rare. Black widows bite only if they are touched or their web is threatened. Furthermore, only the adult female is poisonous. Those most at risk from the female are the spider’s natural pray-insects-and male black widow spiders. The latter are vulnerable as the female is______ (5. SOLITUDE) by nature, and has been known to kill and eat the male after mating. Such______ (6. OCCUR) are rare, but they explain how the spider got its name – and its reputation. Nevertheless, the______ (7. PLEASE) effects of this spider’s bite should not be______ (8. ESTIMATE), and if you live in a temperate climate and have a fireplace in your home, it is advisable to take______ (9. CAUTION). Black widow spiders often inhabit wood piles, so you should wear gloves when handling firewood. Furthermore, since black widow spiders are______ (10. RESIST) to many insecticides, you should regularly clean out likely hiding places.
The black widow spider’s notoriety is not without foundation. However, an element of exaggeration has led to certain______ (1. CONCEPT) regarding its evil nature.
