Spiders are not very dangerous insects, but some of them pose a threat to people because they can bite through the skin and inject a toxic substance that causes non-fatal, but unpleasant toxic poisoning of the human body. What is it - the most dangerous spider on the planet, where does it live and how dangerous is it to human life?
Why is a spider bite dangerous?
Spider (arachnoid) is a predatory insect, which nature has endowed with a special poisonous weapon. The secretion that insects secrete and then inject into their prey affects the nervous system of the prey or contributes to the destruction of its tissues.
Even the largest and most dangerous spiders do not attack a person without reason. They may bite only in self-defense or in cases of immediate danger. The bite of a poisonous spider itself is not fatal, and negative consequences can only occur in situations where:
- delays in providing medical care;
- the human body is weakened due to illness;
- an allergic reaction to the poison occurs;
- a small child or an elderly person is bitten.
According to statistics, 5% of the world's population suffers from a “fear of spiders” (arachnophobia), although there are no real reasons for such a phobia, since almost all poisonous species live in tropical climates or deserts. However, every traveler, going to another country, must imagine what animals or insects he may encounter and what needs to be done.
Brazilian wandering spider
The list of the most dangerous arachnids for humans opens with the Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria - from the Greek “killer”). Sometimes it is also called “banana” because of the love for eating these fruits. Officially (according to the Guinness Book of Records) it is the most poisonous spider on the planet.
The poison that he injects into the victim is a strong neurotoxin (they are 20 times more toxic than the toxin that the Black Widow secretes).
Signs of a Brazilian spider bite:
- problems with the respiratory system, sometimes leading to suffocation;
- poor muscle control;
- severe pain in the muscles and the bite site;
- In men, the poison can cause an erection for many hours, which causes very strong painful sensations.
In nature, the Brazilian wandering spider lives in the tropical jungles of South America (mostly in Brazil). He spends his life wandering in search of food: he hunts other spiders, small birds and lizards. The size of its body is quite large (about 10 cm).
These spiders often live close to human habitation, can hide in clothing, and love to climb into fruit boxes, especially bananas. Therefore, the most common cases of people being bitten by them occur among collectors.
It is also unusual and dangerous that Brazilian spiders can travel in banana packages around the globe. One of the latest accidents occurred in the UK in 2016 with a man who bought fruit in a nearby supermarket and was attacked by such a spider.
Fortunately, a very effective antidote was developed several years ago, which can reduce the number of deaths after bites of such a spider.
Sydney leucopaweb (funnel web) spider
The second most dangerous and most unpleasant bully in the spider world is the Sydney funnel-web spider. It is considered a bully because when attacking a person, this insect tries to make as many bites as possible and inject more poison, although its effect is much weaker than other toxins.
In addition to this persistent nature, the Sydney funnel-web spider has very large fangs: long and sharp, like needles. It is believed that with such fangs he can easily bite through leather shoes and human nails. Moreover, males are 6 times more poisonous than females.
Signs of a bite that develop in a person (appear within a few seconds):
- muscle spasms;
- strong rapid heartbeat;
- confusion or loss of consciousness;
- brain tumor.
Without medical attention, death can occur within 15 minutes, but an effective antidote was created in 1981, so there have been no deaths since then.
Brown recluse spider
Recluse spiders are also known by various names: Violin Spider, Violin Back Spider, and belong to the genus Loxosceles. Their size is only 2 cm, outwardly they are completely inconspicuous. Such insects are found in different countries, they are very common in the eastern United States, where they even settle in the houses of local residents (in clothes or shoes), and in South America (Chile and other countries).
The venom of these spiders is of a necrotic type that destroys tissue. A recluse spider bite can cause a condition called loxoscelism, which in some cases results in the death of tissue in the bite area and the formation of a non-healing open wound, which can even lead to amputation. To treat such wounds, skin grafting is necessary.
Black Widow
The black widow is a family of spiders and a separate species (Latrodectus mactans), in the United States it is considered the most poisonous representative of arachnoids. It is famous for the fact that females sometimes eat their partners.
The North American black widow gets its name from the color of its body, but its abdomen has red or orange spots. The size of spiders is small: about 4 cm, but their poison is very toxic; a bite can end in disaster for a person.
Such spiders pose a danger to children, weakened and elderly people, as well as allergy sufferers. Their poison causes severe muscle pain, increases blood pressure, pain in the lymph nodes, interrupted breathing, nausea and vomiting. Unpleasant symptoms may last up to 7 days.
The redback spider is also a member of the black widow family and is considered an iconic spider in Australia, easily identified by the red stripe on its back. It is smaller in size than the black widow and is less common.
However, in Australia, such spiders can live indoors and live in some areas of cities and suburbs in the tropical climate zone. They have recently been spotted in Japan.
The red-backed spider is small in size: females are up to 10 mm long, males are 3 mm smaller. These insects are nocturnal, hiding in old sheds or under stones, among plants. They hunt other insects and small animals (mice, birds, lizards, beetles, etc.).
The consequences of a bite from such a spider appear only after a day, and they are very toxic: acute pain and swelling of the bitten area, abdominal cramps, severe sweating. The most severe systemic condition, called “latrodectism” (50% of cases), can be fatal if an antidote injection is not used in time.
Karakurt
Karakurt is the most poisonous and most dangerous spider that lives in Russia in the Astrakhan region, in Asian and European regions and Africa. He is one of the members of the black widow family. Due to climate change, karakurts began to appear even in the Moscow region.
One species, called the steppe widow, is black and decorated with 13 bright red spots on top. Its size is small: females are 1-2 cm long (more poisonous), males - up to 7 mm.
The most dangerous are sexually mature females of karakurt, whose venom is 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake. They pose a danger to some domestic animals (horses, cows, with the exception of sheep) and people. They bite only when pressed, more often at night in the summer, and the bite is not painful, which is why they may not immediately pay attention to it.
The effect of the poison is manifested in muscle pain, paresthesia of the limbs, abdomen and chest. A strong fear of death appears, tears flow, the sick person cannot stand on his feet due to muscle weakness. Symptoms similar to those of an acute abdomen also occur: nausea, vomiting, fever. However, cramps and tremors of the limbs, breathing problems, confusion, and a sharp increase in blood pressure help determine an accurate diagnosis.
One of the effective ways to provide first aid is to cauterize the bitten area with a burning match, which has a destructive effect on the poison (if there is no medical help nearby), subsequent hospitalization is extremely necessary to prevent death.
Sand Spider
The six-eyed sand spider has 8 legs and 6 eyes and lives in the deserts of South Africa and western South America. Its scientific Latin name Sicarius translates to "killer". By nature, he is a hunter who waits for a long time for his prey (other spiders and scorpions), buried in the sand. When prey runs past, it attacks - it bites it, and within a few hours the insect or animal dies. Its size is about 5 cm, its abdomen is light brown or red-brown.
The venom of the six-eyed spider is a strong cytotoxin (similar to the effects of sulfuric acid), producing a hemolytic and necrotic effect, which means the rupture of blood vessels and tissue decomposition. There are only 2 cases of such spiders biting people, but both were fatal.
Golden spider
The sak spider, or golden spider (Cheiracanthium), has a size of only 10 mm, but with its bite it is capable of causing extensive tissue necrosis (necrosis), which is very painful. Its habitats: European countries, Australia and Canada.
Externally small, the spider is yellow or greenish in color and produces a strong cytotoxin poison. In the bite area, redness and sharp pain first appear, the area swells, gradually turning into a blister or wound.
According to experts, it is these spiders that cause the most trouble for people compared to other types of arachnoids.
Tarantulas
Tarantula spiders (Theraphosidae) are a whole family of arachnoids found in Africa, Australia and on the ocean islands in South America. These are the largest spiders (up to 20 cm), which some exotic lovers are fond of and even keep them at home in terrariums.
Tarantulas do not pose a danger to adults, although they can cause muscle pain and fever. However, the poison can be fatal for pets or children.
Their bright, beautiful fur is actually poisonous hairs. The spider combs the hairs from its abdomen and throws it at its prey. If it comes into contact with the skin or eyes, the poison causes pain, itching, and severe vision impairment.
Pecilotheria (tarantula)
The same family includes tarantulas - large, hairy spiders whose name comes from the Spanish tarantella dance. The spider has double fangs with which it pierces its prey. Tarantula is the most dangerous spider and one of the largest living in Russia (5 cm). The most famous is the South Russian tarantula, common in the forest-steppe zone of Eurasia.
Due to the small size and amount of poison released during a bite, the consequences for humans are not very toxic, however, the poison acts on the nervous system, provoking minor convulsions and severe shortness of breath. Their toxicity is highest in July, when females reach sexual maturity and mating.
Mouse spider
The red-headed mouse spider is Australia's most dangerous spider, with 12 species. Its name comes from its soft, furry abdomen, and its bite is very dangerous to humans, although it is not very aggressive and often bites without using venom.
Nature has endowed it with bright colors: males have a red head and a gray-blue belly, females are black. Size - from 1 to 3.5 cm.
The venom has a neuroparalytic effect similar to that of the Sydney spider, but they live far from human settlements. A serum has long been made for their venom, which is effective against many funnel-web spider species.
Conclusion
The types of poisonous spiders discussed in this article differ in their habitats and in their toxicity. In Russia, such insects are found in the southern part of the country, the North Caucasus and Crimea. Knowing the appearance and types of spiders that are dangerous to humans and their habitat conditions will help you prevent encounters with them, avoid being bitten, or learn about the degree of danger to humans.
Brazilian wandering spider - also known as soldier, runner, wandering spider, . Belongs to the runner family Ctenidae. Reads 8 types. The natural range covers South and Central America. Found throughout the world as a pet. In 2010, it was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most poisonous.
Description of appearance
The Brazilian wandering spider grows to a size of 15 cm, which is equal to the size of an adult's hand. Ranked with. The color is varied - gray, brown, black, red, brown. The body is divided into the abdomen and cephalothorax, connected by a thin bridge. Long powerful 8 pieces. Well visible mandibles. The photo is located below.
The entire body is covered with small, dense hairs. Legs serve as instruments of movement and are organs of smell and touch. On the head, providing a broad outlook.
On a note!
The wandering spider sees in different directions, but does not have good vision. Perceives silhouettes, shadows, and responds well to movement.
Lifestyle
The Brazilian runner spider got its name because of its vital functions and certain qualities. The animal moves quickly and jumps well. Lives in trees, most of them bananas. The bur does not stand; it constantly moves from one place to another in search of food.
On a note!
The Brazilian spider forms powerful trapping webs. The diameter of the largest reaches 2 m. The threads are so strong that they freely hold birds, lizards, snakes, and small rodents. Fishermen put them in several layers and use them to catch fish.
The Brazilian wandering spider often crawls into residential buildings in search of food. Hides in cabinets with dishes, things, shoes, in the corners of rooms. Since in such conditions it does not spin a web, it does not reveal its presence in any way.
Nutrition
The main diet is insects, snails, small caterpillars. Often the victims are small birds, rodents, lizards, and snakes. The soldier spider lies in wait for its victim in a shelter. When she sees her, she takes a characteristic pose - she rises on her hind limbs, lifts her front limbs up, pulls her middle ones forward, and spreads them to the side. He waits for the right moment and rushes to attack.
Interesting!
The runner spider injects venom and saliva. The first substance paralyzes the victim, the second turns the insides into a liquid mass, which the predator then drinks. Insects die almost immediately, frogs, rodents, snakes after 15 minutes. The Brazilian soldier spider hunts at night, during the day it hides away from sunlight under stones, in crevices, and tree leaves.
Reproduction
Runners lead a solitary lifestyle and gather in pairs at the time of mating. The male appeases the female with food. Such manipulation is necessary so that the spider does not simply eat it. After fertilization, the “suitor” must immediately hide, since the hungry female may begin her hunt.
After some time, the wandering spider lays eggs in a cocoon formed from a web or on bananas. The cubs are born after 20 days and scatter in different directions. Up to a hundred small spiders are born at one time. An adult lives on average 3 years.
Danger to humans
The British wandering spider is one of its huge family. The toxic substance disrupts the functioning of the nervous system and causes spasms. Possible consequences of a bite:
- abdominal pain;
- nausea;
- weakness;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- dizziness;
- temperature change;
- arrhythmia;
- headache;
- increased blood pressure;
- difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
Redness, swelling, pain, and burning appear at the site.
The situation is especially dangerous for young children, people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and people with allergies. The venom of the Brazilian wandering spider can kill a child in 15 minutes and an adult in half an hour. Alarming symptoms develop within 20 minutes after a predator attack. However, with the provision of qualified assistance, the condition returns to normal. You should call an ambulance immediately if you experience difficulty breathing.
Poison in high concentration leads to muscle failure, heart function is disrupted, and breathing becomes difficult. Death occurs as a result of suffocation. There is an effective antidote - Phoneutria. When it is administered, nothing threatens a person’s life.
Benefits of the Brazilian wandering spider
The animal is kept as a pet all over the world. Attracts an unusual appearance, large size. In artificially created conditions, the runner lives up to 3 years, reproduces, and feeds on insects.
The poison contains a powerful neurotoxin PhTx3, which is used in medicine in strictly dosed concentrations. The substance has a beneficial effect on male potency. Effective medicines are made from the poison.
Walking through the favelas (the so-called slums) of Rio de Janeiro at night is suicide! There are creatures here with whom you will be very uncomfortable. Look at this creature - this is an ominous Brazilian travel spider and it is not to be trifled with.
These spiders are very aggressive. When in danger, spiders raise their legs, exposing their fangs - this warning should be taken seriously. It is known to be one of the most poisonous spiders in the world. Its bite can be fatal, but its venom also has a strange effect on the human genital area.
If you are a man and if you are bitten by such a spider, you will suffer a very painful and prolonged erection. Scientists are still debating what effect it has on women, but a man's brain mistakes the chemicals in this spider's venom for the chemicals the brain produces to cause an erection.
Please note that this spider has been able to cause this effect for millions of years, and people have only recently developed drugs that cause a similar reaction.
This spider has successfully changed its habitat, moving from the jungle to the city, and it doesn't look like it's going to leave Rio anytime soon.
Reference:
The Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria, banana spider, Brazilian traveler spider) was included in the 2007 Guinness Book of Records for being responsible for the largest number of human deaths caused by spider bites. What is important is that these spiders are dangerous not only for their poison, but also for their behavior: they do not sit still and do not weave webs, they wander the earth, hiding in buildings, clothes, shoes, cars, anywhere; which significantly increases the risk of unexpectedly meeting them and being bitten.
Wandering spider, runner spider, banana spider - these are all names of the most dangerous arthropod killer on the planet.
A fatal outcome after a bite from this warrior occurs in less than an hour in 85% of cases, which gave him first place in the Guinness Book of Records and the title of the most poisonous and dangerous of his family.
Description of the spider
Appearances can be deceiving
This spider has won first place in the list of the most dangerous spiders from itself, so let's find out what this fearsome animal of South America looks like.
Let's start with the fact that the Brazilian soldier spider never weaves webs and generally loves to constantly change its place of residence, which is why it is sometimes also called wandering.
The Brazilian soldier spider belongs to the genus Phoneutria, a family of running spiders that includes the most venomous members in the world. Fortunately, it has a fairly limited distribution.Due to the constant movement of the spider, its habitat also changes, which affects its color. The most common spiders are sand-colored, which allows them to easily camouflage themselves in the ground. To attract and intimidate the enemy, the area near the chelicerae has a bright red tint.
The spider's long hairy legs allow it to reach a size of 15 centimeters, and this is the length of the palm of an adult!
Brazilian jungle storm
It is most widespread in the tropical forests of Central and South America, but often likes to climb into human homes, and therefore is a frequent guest in the mansions of Rio de Janeiro.
The Brazilian soldier spider loves secluded places, so it is often found in boxes of clothes or in wardrobes.And the wanderer has a family
Like all spiders, the Brazilian soldier spider is dioecious. Males are smaller in size compared to females and often have a slightly brighter color. They are also characterized by the presence of pedipalps - an additional pair of limbs used in the process of fertilization of the female.
If the male spider is ready for the mating process, then he demonstrates this to the female by performing a dance.
Banana-loving arthropods
The main diet of the Brazilian soldier spider differs little from the menu of other spiders from this family. They prefer to feast
- small insects;
- their weaker relatives;
- small lizards;
- birds accidentally falling into range.
The Brazilian soldier spider has been noted to have a penchant for bananas, which is why it is often found in boxes of this fruit. Because of this, it received its second name: the Brazilian banana spider.
Record-breaking lethality
The Brazilian soldier spider acquired its reputation as the most dangerous spider on the planet, not least thanks to its aggressive behavior. As soon as a situation arises that it identifies as dangerous, the spider takes a special stance on its legs, stretching threateningly upward and pointing its front legs towards the enemy.
The indicative aggressiveness of the Brazilian soldier spider is associated with its focus on active hunting. While pursuing a victim, it can develop a running speed decent for a spider, and is also capable of jumping a considerable distance.Since the spider loves to enter people's homes in search of a calm, quiet place, its meeting with 
in humans - this is a fairly common occurrence. Unfortunately, they often have a tragic outcome. The impact of the venom of the Brazilian wandering spider on older people is especially dangerous.
The content of a powerful neurotoxin in the poison causes the victim to experience total muscle paralysis, leading to fatal suffocation. A person bitten by this spider feels terrible pain throughout the body and complete numbness. As a rule, the subsequent muscle paralysis causes death. From the time of the bite to death can take from 2 to 6 hours.
If you are bitten by a Brazilian soldier spider, you should immediately seek help from a medical facility. Currently, there is an antidote for the bite of this spider, although it is extremely toxic to the body.
Sand wasps are capable of digging deep holes in the sand. You can find a full description of the insect at this link.
Good from a killer
But the reputation of a killer did not prevent scientists from finding practical benefits for humanity in him, 
especially for his stronger half. The reason is that its venom contains the Th2-6 toxin, which promotes a powerful, albeit extremely painful, erection. Experiments conducted to date have confirmed that the use of this toxin in medicine can provoke the development of a drug that cures erectile dysfunction.
So, perhaps the Brazilian soldier spider will again get into the Guinness Book of Records, but now for his contribution to the development of drugs for impotence.
In 2007, another poisonous record holder appeared in the Guinness Book of Records - the Brazilian wandering spider. As is already clear from its name, the habitat of this aggressive and quite dangerous arachnid for humans is South America. But this agile arthropod can often be found in human habitation, where its favorite places are boxes, boots, hats, etc.
Brazilian wandering spider: appearance
These spiders are quite large - approximately 10 cm long. They have a spindle-shaped body and eight eyes, two of which are large. A voluminous abdomen and long, thick legs ending in spines, covered with thick hairs, distinguish this arachnid from its fellows. Its color can vary from dark brown to brown.
Taking a defensive position, the Brazilian wandering spider, a photo of which you can see in this article, rests on its hind legs and, having raised two pairs of front legs, sways menacingly from side to side. One of the main features of this spider is its large chelicerae covered with red bristles.
Brazilian wandering spider: lifestyle
Wandering spiders are so called because they do not build nests or weave webs, but wander in search of food: insects, other spiders or even frogs, small birds and mammals. Bananas occupy a special place in the spider’s diet, for which reason in the homeland of the arthropod gourmet they are also called the “banana” spider.
These arachnids move quite quickly, developing particularly high speeds in pursuit of prey. And some species are also capable of jumping far. The wandering spider inserts chelicerae into its victim, through which the poison is carried out. It paralyzes small animals within a few seconds.
Wandering spiders are nocturnal creatures that prefer to hole up during the day under rocks, in thick grass, or in people's homes.
Brazilian wandering spider: danger to humans
The reason for particular concern when a person encounters a Brazilian wandering spider is that this poisonous arthropod is in no hurry to escape, but, on the contrary, takes a defensive position and, having bitten once, strives to do it again and again.
The venom of these spiders causes a severe allergic reaction in people. And if the victim is a child, an elderly or weakened person, then the “Brazilian” bite can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. True, in medicine there are means that can help with the bite of a poisonous arthropod, but you need to seek help no later than 20 minutes after the incident.
The first symptoms of spider venom poisoning are quite severe pain from the bite itself, followed by a strong increase in blood pressure, nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing.
But you need to remember that this spider does not attack a person first. The bite in this case can only be for the purpose of self-defense. True, because of the strong love of this species, living in boxes and dark rooms, residents of South America have to be especially careful and attentive.
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