Quck answer
The world’s deadliest spider is the funnel-web spider, native to Australia. Its venom can cause death within hours if left untreated. Other deadly spiders include the Brazilian wandering spider and the black widow. However, deaths from spider bites are rare, as antivenom and medical treatment are readily available in most developed countries. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if bitten by a spider, and to avoid handling or provoking spiders in the wild.
Wild Animals
Black widows are considered one of the deadliest spiders in the United States. Check out more images of arachnids.
iStock/Thinkstock
If Hollywood was a reliable source of scientific information, we would be dealing with flying spiders and the world’s most dangerous spider would be easy to identify. The furry tarantula has appeared in countless horror, sci-fi, and adventure films, causing viewers to hold their breath in anticipation. Will the protagonist escape fast enough to avoid being bitten by the venomous spider?
In reality, our fear of tarantulas is unjustified. The spider’s bristly hairs are more likely to irritate than its venom. Although a bite from a passive tarantula may cause localized pain, it won’t lead to death unless the individual is highly allergic.
Of the nearly 40,000 known spider species, only a tiny fraction can inflict significant pain in humans. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the world’s deadliest spider because spiders pose little threat to our well-being. Nonetheless, some arachnids worldwide should be avoided as their venom can lead to tissue degeneration, cell death, nausea, and other side effects.
Before revealing the culprits on the list of the world’s most dangerous spiders, it is helpful to understand how these arachnids deliver their venomous bites. As explained in How Spiders Work, venomous spiders have a poison gland that houses toxic chemicals. These glands are connected to a set of fangs that the spider uses to inject the poison into its prey. The fangs usually remain concealed in the spider’s jaws until it senses danger. At this point, it releases its fangs, plunging them into the victim’s body and secreting the poison. Not all spider bites are dangerous, and many spiders may give dry bites without venom as a warning.
Do not think that encountering a brown recluse or black widow on a bad night is as scary as it gets.
Two Deadly Spiders
The Sydney Funnel-web spider is often referred to as the world’s deadliest spider, with fangs strong enough to penetrate a toenail.
Ian Waldie/Getty Images
In the United States, people are most concerned about the fangs of the brown recluse and black widow. A brown recluse bite can lead to significant scarring from tissue breakdown, but the odds of survival are high. Brown recluses can be identified by the violin-shaped marking on their abdomens. Statistically, black widows, with their red hourglass mark, pose a greater threat to humans. Before antivenin for the widow family of spiders was discovered, the mortality rate for bite victims was around 5 percent [source: Vetter and Visscher].
Experts often consider the Sydney Funnel-web spider as the world’s deadliest spider due to the highest number of bites and human fatalities it causes. This spider species is native to Australia and is mostly found within a 99-mile radius around Sydney. Funnel-web spiders are more dangerous than black widows or brown recluses as they become aggressive when threatened. The male Funnel-webs are more potentially harmful than females and juvenile spiders, and they are the most likely to attack. The active ingredient in Funnel-web venom is delta-atracotoxin, which causes intense pain at the bite site. The Brazilian wandering spider is another dangerous spider that is capable of injecting 1-2 milligrams of venom in its victims. Its venom affects sodium ion receptors, and bites from these spiders account for around half of spider-related hospitalizations in South America. However, antivenins have made even the most venomous arachnids with the largest fangs not pose much of a health threat to humans. Scientists are studying the venom of the Brazilian wandering spider to develop a new treatment for erectile dysfunction because the bite of this spider can cause penis erections along with symptoms of discomfort such as pain, cold sweats, and increased blood pressure.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camel spiders found in America?
Camel spiders are typically found in the deserts of Middle East, southern Europe, Africa, and the southwestern region of the United States.
Further Information
Related HowStuffWorks Articles
- How Spiders Work
- Spider Facts
- What is a spider’s silk made of?
- Could platypus poison kill me?
- Are Komodo dragons’ mouths deadlier than cobras’ venom?
- How Animal Camouflage Works
- What’s the difference between a snake and a legless lizard?
- How to Prevent Infections From Animals
More Useful Links
- University of California Riverside: Entomology — Spiders
- Ohio State University Fact Sheet: Brown Recluse
- Australian Museum: Funnel-web spider
Sources
- Alcock, John. “Spider Envenomation, Funnel Web.” eMedicine. June 26, 2007. (Oct. 7, 2008)http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/TOPIC548.HTM
- Bryner, Jeanna. “Natural Viagra: Spider Bite Causes Erection.” LiveScience. May 1, 2007. (Oct. 7, 2008)http://www.livescience.com/health/070501_spider_venom.html
- Escoubas, Pierre; Diochot, Sylvie; and Corzo, Gerardo. “Structure and pharmacology of spider venom neurotoxins.” Biochemistry. Volume 92. Issues 9-10. Sept. 10, 2000. (Oct. 7, 2008)http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VRJ-431B1CT-C&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=1a57522d4608f4b2fab963b0613cd5d0
- “Funnel web spiders.” Australian Venom Compendium. Updated June 14, 2006. (Oct. 7, 2008)http://www.avru.org/compendium/biogs/A000003b.htm
- “Funnel-web spiders.” Australian Museum. (Oct. 7, 2008)http://www.amonline.net.au/factsheets/funnelweb.htm
- Meier, Jurg and White, Julian. “Handbook of Clinical Toxicology of Animal Venoms and Poisons.” CRC Press. 1995. (Oct. 7, 2008)http://books.google.com/books?id=OvFxypZGPAAC
- Richards, Ira S. “Principles and Practices of Toxicology in Public Health.” Jones & Bartlett Publishers. 2007. (Oct. 7, 2008)http://books.google.com/books?id=sHxNO8jv5iEC
- Vetter, Richard S. and Visscher, P. Kirk. “Bites and stings of medically important venomous arthropods.” International Journal of Dermatology. Vol. 37. July 1998. University of California Riverside. (Oct. 7, 2008)http://spiders.ucr.edu/dermatol.html
- “World’s deadliest spider discovered in Britain nside a box of Tesco bananas.” Daily Mail. Sept. 5, 2008. (Oct. 7, 2008)http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1052712/Worlds-deadliest-spider-discovered-Britain-inside-box-Tesco-bananas.html
В
FAQ
1. What is the world’s deadliest spider?
The world’s deadliest spider is the Brazilian wandering spider, also known as the banana spider. It is found in South and Central America and is known for its aggressive behavior and potent venom.
2. How toxic is the venom of the Brazilian wandering spider?
The venom of the Brazilian wandering spider is extremely toxic. It contains a neurotoxin that can cause muscle paralysis and respiratory failure. In some cases, it can also cause priapism, a painful and long-lasting erection in males.
3. How many people die from spider bites each year?
According to the World Health Organization, there are only a few deaths per year worldwide from spider bites. However, many people are bitten each year and experience pain and other symptoms.
4. What should you do if you are bitten by a Brazilian wandering spider?
If you are bitten by a Brazilian wandering spider, seek medical attention immediately. The venom can be deadly, and prompt treatment is essential.
5. What other dangerous spiders are there?
Other dangerous spiders include the black widow spider, found in North America, and the funnel-web spider, found in Australia. Both of these spiders have potent venom and can be deadly if not treated promptly.
6. What is the best way to avoid spider bites?
The best way to avoid spider bites is to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when you are in areas where spiders are common. Wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent, and avoid reaching into dark or hidden areas where spiders may be lurking.
7. Can spiders be beneficial to humans?
Yes, spiders can be beneficial to humans by controlling populations of insects and other pests. Some spiders are even kept as pets or used in research to study their behavior and venom.
8. How do spiders make webs?
Spiders make webs by producing silk from glands in their abdomen and then manipulating the silk with their legs. The silk is strong and elastic, allowing spiders to build intricate and effective webs to catch prey.
9. What is arachnophobia?
Arachnophobia is a fear of spiders. It is a common phobia and can be debilitating for some people. Treatment for arachnophobia may include therapy or medication.
10. Can spiders be trained?
Spiders cannot be trained in the same way that dogs or other animals can be trained. However, they can learn and adapt to their environment, and some species have been observed exhibiting complex behaviors and problem-solving skills.
Leave a Reply