Spiders are beings that generate fascination and terror in equal measure. For many people, the way they spin their webs or their graceful walk is intriguing, while others find them terrifying. Many species are harmless, but others, on the other hand, stand out for their toxicity.
There are several types of poisonous spiders, are you able to recognize any? our site has compiled the most poisonous spider species that exist worldwide. Discover its main characteristics and many curiosities about them. Let's go there!
1. Funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus)
Currently, the funnel-web spider or Sydney spider is considered the most dangerous spider in the world It lives in Australia and, as we say, is a poisonous and very dangerous species, since its level of toxicity is lethal for an adult person. In addition, it has synanthropic habits, which means that lives in human houses, being also a type of house spider.
The symptoms of your bite begin with itching in the affected area, tingling around the mouth, nausea, vomiting and fever. The victim then suffers disorientation, muscle twitching, and brain swelling. Death can occur in 15 minutes or three days, depending on the age of the individual.
two. Banana spider (Phoneutria nigriventer)
Despite the funnel web spider being the most dangerous to humans because it can cause death in minutes, many experts consider it to be the most poisonous spider in the worldis the banana spider. In both cases, we are dealing with deadly spiders that are best avoided.
This spider's body is dark brown with red hairs. The species is distributed in South America, especially in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Paraguay. This spider captures its prey through its webs. It feeds on small insects, such as mosquitoes, grasshoppers and flies. Its venom is deadly to its prey, however, in humans it causes an intense burning sensation, nausea, blurred vision and decreased blood pressure. In addition, in men it can cause an erection for several hours. The most serious cases found are those produced in children.
3. Black widow (Latrodectus mactans)
The black widow is one of the best known species. It measures 50 mm on average, although males are smaller than females. It feeds on insects, such as wood bugs and other arachnids.
Contrary to what many people think, the black widow is a shy, solitary and not very aggressive animal. It only attacks when provoked. The symptoms of its sting are intense muscle and abdominal pain, hypertension and priapism. The bite is rarely fatal, however it can cause death to people who are not in good physical condition.
4. Goliath Tarantula (Theraphosa blondi)
The Goliath tarantula measures up to 30 cm in length and can weigh 150 grams. It is the largest tarantula in the world and its life expectancy is around 25 years. It lives mainly in tropical forests and high humidity areas.
This tarantula is also solitary, so it only seeks companionship to breed. It feeds on worms, beetles, grasshoppers and other insects. Its venom is lethal to its prey, but not to humans, as it only causes nausea, fever and headache.
5. Wolf spider (Lycosa erythrognatha)
Another of the most poisonous types of spiders is the Lycosa erythrognatha or wolf spider. It is found in South America, where it inhabits steppes and mountains, although it can also be seen in cities, especially in gardens and areas with abundant vegetation. The females of this species are larger than the males. Its coloration is light brown with two dark stripes. One characteristic that distinguishes the wolf spider is its sharp, efficient vision during the day and at night.
This species only injects its venom if provoked. The most common symptoms are swelling in the affected area, itching, nausea and pain. The bite is not fatal to humans.
6. 6-eyed sand spider (Sicarius terrosus)
The 6-eyed sand spider, also known as the hitman spider, is a species that lives on the African continent. They live in deserts or sandy areas, where they are difficult to find, as they blend in very well with the environment.
This species measures 50 mm with its legs extended. It is very solitary and only attacks when provoked or when hunting for food. For the venom of this species there is no antidote, its effect causes tissue destruction and circulatory problems. Depending on the amount of poison you inject, it can have serious effects.
7. Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)
The redback spider is a species that is often confused with the black widow due to its great physical resemblance. Its body is black and is distinguished by a red spot located on its back.
Among the types of poisonous spiders, this is native to Australia,where they live in dry and temperate areas. Its bite is not fatal, but it can cause pain around the infected area, as well as nausea, diarrhea, tremors and fever. If you do not receive medical attention, the symptoms increase in intensity.
8. Hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis)
The hobo spider, or country tegenaria, is distributed in Europe and the United States. It has long, hairy legs. The species presents sexual dimorphism in its size, but not in its color: females measure 18 mm in length and males only 6 mm. The skin of both shows brown tones, either dark or light.
This species is not fatal to humans, however, its bite causes headaches and destroys tissue in the area affected.
9. Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)
Another type of poisonous spider is the brown recluse, a species with a brown body that measures 2 cm. Noted for its 300-degree vision and a violin-shaped marking on its thorax. Like most spiders, it only bites when provoked or threatened.
Brown recluse venom is deadly depending on the amount injected. Common symptoms are fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, it can cause blisters in the affected area, which burst and cause gangrene.
10. Yellow sac spider (Cheiracanthium punctorium)
The yellow sac spider is another of the most poisonous types of spiders in the world. Its name is due to the fact that it uses silk sacks to protect itself. The color of its body is pale yellow, although some specimens also have a green and brown body.
This species hunts at night, at which time it eats small insects and even other species of spiders. Its bite is not fatal, however, it causes itching, burns and fever.
eleven. Giant huntsman spider (Heteropoda maxima)
The giant huntsman spider is considered the species with the longest legs in the world, as they can reach 30 cm in length when extended. In addition, it is originally from the Asian continent.
This spider stands out for being very elusive and fast, it is capable of walking on almost any surface. Its venom is lethal to humans, its effects include severe muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea and chills.
Other poisonous animals
Now that you know the most poisonous types of spiders, don't miss this EcologíaVerde video showing the most poisonous animals in the world.
