Spiders Having Medically Significant Venom

A number of spiders can cause spider bites that are medically important. Almost all spiders produce venom but only a few are classified as "venomous" and able to cause significant harm to humans. Two medically important spider genera have a worldwide distribution—''Latrodectus'' and ''Loxosceles''. Others have a limited distribution.

Medical reports have been criticized for poor evidence. In the last century, both white tailed and wolf spiders were considered medically significant, only to be recanted. Only eight genera (''Phoneutria'', ''Atrax'', '' Latrodectus'', '' Loxosceles'', '' Sicarius'', '' Hexophthalma'', ''Hadronyche'' and ''Missulena'') are considered medically significant. Bites of these spiders have a range of severity, with only a minority having severe symptoms. Deaths by verified spider bites are exceedingly rare (e.g. one in Australia in 37 years).

Brazilian wandering spiders

The Brazilian wandering spider (a ctenid spider) is a large brown spider similar to North American wolf spiders in appearance, although somewhat larger. It has a highly toxic venom and is regarded (along with the Australian funnel-web spiders) as among the most dangerous spiders in the world.
Based on one of the few pharmacological studies performed in the 1970s, ''Phoneutrias venom toxicity was more virulent than both ''Atrax'' and ''Latrodectus''.

As their name suggests, Brazilian wandering spiders are active ground hunters. If the spider has a reason to be alarmed, it will bite in order to protect itself, but unless startled or provoked, most bites will be without venom. Venom bites will occur if the spider is pressed against something and hurt. In this case, the high levels of serotonin contained in the venom, plus at minimum-strong chelicera, will contribute to deliver a very painful bite.

Children are more sensitive to the venom of wandering spiders. The spiders often make threatening gestures, such as raising up their legs, or hopping sideways on the ground, which might amuse a child to the point of reaching towards the spider. In humans, bites of this spider may also result in prolonged painful penile erections (priapism). Scientists are attempting to create an erectile dysfunction treatment that can be combined with other medicines out of the peptide that causes this reaction.

Australian funnel-web spiders

The Australian funnel-web spiders (families Hexathelidae, Atracidae, Macrothelidae and Porrhothelidae), such as the Sydney funnel-web spider ''Atrax robustus'' (a mygalomorph spider not to be confused with the araneomorph funnel-weaver or grass spiders) are regarded as among the most venomous in the world. They react vigorously to threats and, reputedly, will more often attempt to bite than run away. ''A. robustus'', a large black spider, is found within a radius of about 100 km from Sydney. Its venom contains a compound known as δ-atracotoxin which is highly toxic to primates. Approximately 10% of bites lead to serious symptoms for a total of 3–4 severe envenomations annually.

''A. robustus'' is one of three designated species of the genus ''Atrax''. The related genus ''Hadronyche'' is represented by about 40 other dangerous species in eastern Australia, including Queensland and Tasmania. The males in this case have somewhat more potent venom than females and they also wander, making them more likely to be encountered in summer. Bites by males of two large species, the Sydney funnel-web and northern tree funnel-web, have resulted in death.Fact sheet: Funnel-web spider
CSIRO One specific case denoted an individual being bitten on the heel through his leather footwear after provoking the spider, indicating the great strength of the spider's chelicerae.

One other genus in the family Hexathelidae has been reported to cause severe symptoms in humans. Severe bites have been attributed to members of the genus ''Macrothele'' in Taiwan, but no fatalities. In other mammals, such as rodents, for example, the effects of funnel web spider venom are much less severe.

Funnel web spiders are related to other mygalomorphs such as tarantulas and trapdoor spiders. These spiders are similar to funnel-webs in size and general appearance and also have huge chitinous fangs that can deliver painful bites, but their venom is usually extremely mild or harmless to humans.

Tangle-web spiders

One genus of the tangle web spiders has venom which is known to be medically significant. This genus, the widow spiders of genus ''Latrodectus'', has caused human fatalities. The other genus, ''Steatoda'', the false widow spiders, has yet to be proven to possess a venom of medical significance.

Widow spiders

The widow spiders (genus '' Latrodectus''), such as the black widow, redback spider, and katipō are spiders that carry a neurotoxic venom which can cause a set of symptoms known as Latrodectism.

Widow spiders are large, shiny house spiders with relatively spindly legs and deep, globular abdomens. Mature females have dark and shiny abdomens with one or several red spots, either above and/or below. The spots may take the form of an hourglass, or two triangles, point-to-point. They seldom leave their webs, but if they have to, they can run fast over short distances. Male widows and immature females may have a variety of streaks and spots on a browner, less globular abdomen. The males are generally too small to be dangerous. Widows tend to be non-aggressive. Some species, especially those in North America, have no spot on their backs, with the hourglass becoming visible only when the spider hangs upside-down, and can thus be mistaken for their less dangerous cousins, which is especially true in males.

The Australian red-back and North American widow species live near humans and bites are frequent, numbering thousands yearly. The venom produces very painful effects including muscle spasms, 'tetanus-like' contractions, nausea and vomiting, and severe generalized pain. A serious bite will often require a short hospital stay to control pain. Children may be less sensitive to severe effects of redback venom. Still, children as well as elderly and ill individuals are advised to seek medical attention. Fatalities were reported as high as 10% of cases in the early-20th century but deaths have not been reported in the United States for decades and only 0.5% of those bitten have had major medical complications. In 2016 a young Australian man died ten days after he was bitten; the follow-up care may have been erroneous as he was released from the hospital only to die several days later. The previous record of a red-back fatality in Australia was 1955.

False black widows

The false black widow spiders (also known as false katipo, false button spider, cupboard spider, and in Australia, brown house spider) are spiders of the genus ''Steatoda''. They resemble widow spiders in size and physical form, due to being members of the same family. While the bite of ''Steatoda'' spiders are never as serious as can be for true widow spiders, several have been often reported to give general symptoms away from the bite site, indicating the action of venom. The bite of ''Steatoda grossa'' may cause nausea, widespread but short lived pain, muscle spasms, and malaise; the medical community now refers to the symptoms of ''Steatoda'' bites as steatodism. Other spiders in this genus with potentially symptomic venom include two chiefly European varieties, '' S. paykulliana'' and '' S. nobilis'', and a species found mainly in New Zealand and South Africa, '' S. capensis''.

Use of widow spider antivenom has been shown effective in treating steatodism. The genera ''Steatoda'' and ''Latrodectus'' are biologically close relatives; both belonging to the same family Theridiidae. There are over 100 species in this genus ''Steatoda'', but only some species have been associated with symptomatic bites, and many alleged reports have not been confirmed as actual bites (actual bite event not seen, etc.) nor can be directly attributed to certain species (no specimen collected and examined by an arachnologist, etc.).

Members of this genus are characterized by the "D" shape of the cephalothorax, and the way the relatively straight line thus formed is mirrored by the blunt forward surface of the abdomen. Other genera in this family generally have cephalothoraxes that are more oval in shape or even rather round, and that give the appearance of two body parts that are joined by a small connector.

Sicariidae spiders

The family Sicariidae includes three genera which can potentially inflict cytotoxic bites. One genus, ''Loxosceles'', comprises the recluse spiders (below). The other genera, ''Sicarius'' and ''Hexophthalma'', are found only in the southern hemisphere, an example being ''Hexophthalma hahni'' and ''Sicarius ornatus''.

Recluse spiders

Recluse spiders (''Loxosceles'' spp.), such as the brown recluse spider, also known as "violin spiders", "fiddlers", or "fiddlebacks", from the dark violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax, are retiring spiders which wander about in dim areas and under things. Large populations can infest a house without any bites reported. Due to small fangs, bites happen when trapped against one's skin by clothing, bed sheets, etc. Most encounters with this spider occur from moving boxes or rooting about in closets or under beds. The range of the brown recluse, ''L. reclusa'' in the U.S. is limited to the central and southern states. A number of related recluse spiders (some non-native introductions) are found in the western deserts. Reports of recluse bites far outnumber the number of spiders found in much of the U.S. For example, many brown recluse bites have been reported in the U.S. west coast states (Washington, Oregon, and northern California) where populations of brown recluse spiders have not been found.

Most recluse spider bites are minor with a small area of redness. However, a small number of bites produce severe dermonecrotic lesions, and, sometimes, severe systemic reaction known as hemolytic anemia. Brown recluse bites have been suspected in several fatalities.

A minority of bites form a necrotizing ulcer that destroys soft tissue and may take months and, on very rare occasions, years to heal, leaving deep scars. The damaged tissue will become black and eventually slough away. Bites occur commonly during dressing as spiders are trapped in the sleeve or pant leg. Bites usually become painful and itchy within 2 to 8 hours, pain and other local effects worsen 12 to 36 hours after the bite with the necrosis developing over the next few days. Around the face, swelling is common.

Serious systemic effects known as visceral loxoscelism may occur before this time, as the venom spreads throughout the body. Moderate symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, rashes, and muscle and joint pain. Rarely more severe symptoms occur including hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Debilitated patients, the elderly, and children may be more susceptible to systemic loxoscelism. Hemolysis may require transfusion and could lead to kidney failure. Deaths have been reported from suspected brown recluse envenomation.

The Chilean recluse, a species native to South America have been known to cause systemic visceral loxoscxelism in 15% of reported cases, and fatalities in 3‒4% of cases.

Six-eyed sand spiders

The six-eyed sand spiders of southern Africa in the genus '' Hexophthalma'' and '' Sicarius'' from South America inject a cytotoxic venom, that contains sphingomyelinase D, for which there is currently no antivenom. Fortunately, this specimen rarely interacts with humans, and is seldom known to bite. This spider buries itself in sand in order to ambush prey that wanders nearby. Sand particles adhere to cuticles on its abdomen, thus acting as a natural camouflage if uncovered.

Mouse spiders

The mouse spiders of the genus ''Missulena'' are a type of primitive burrowing spider found primarily in Australia and Chile in South America. Several species of this genus are known to possess a venom which contains compounds similar to δ-atracotoxin, the substance in funnel-web venom which can be fatal. However, most bite victims suffer only local pain and bleeding, a few more have limited neurotoxic symptoms (tingling, racing heart, more widespread pain), and there have been several recorded bites by this spider producing severe symptoms requiring medical treatment. There are no recorded human fatalities due to mouse spider bites. When severe envenomation does occur, funnel-web antivenom has been shown to be effective.

Tarantulas

The tarantulas of the family Theraphosidae are fearsome-looking spiders and a favorite of movies and television. The fangs deliver a weak venom and simultaneously crush the insect. The Sydney funnel-web spider is a relative with a much more potent neurotoxic venom. Trapdoor spiders, many of which resemble tarantulas but are shinier and less hairy, also have large fangs that deliver painful bites, but have very mild venom.

New-world tarantulas

New-world tarantulas—those indigenous to the Americas—have bites that generally pose little threat to humans (other than causing localized pain). The primary defense deployed by these spiders is by means of urticating hairs, which can cause irritant symptoms in humans.

Old-world tarantulas

Old-world tarantulas, especially those indigenous to Asia, lack urticating hairs and may bite as a defensive mechanism. They are far less docile than new-world tarantulas, and are more likely to bite when provoked.

Hobbyists report bites by ''Poecilotheria'' species, occasionally resulting in hospitalization. Symptoms include localized pain and swelling, exhaustion, moderate to severe muscle cramping, labored breathing and fever, sometimes delayed days after the initial bite. Medical documentation is lacking. ''Pterinochilus murinus'', '' Lampropelma nigerrimum'', and members of the genera '' Stromatopelma'', ''Heteroscodra'', and ''Selenocosmia'' are other old world tarantulas that are noted for possessing particularly strong venom which tends to cause severe muscle spasms.

Venom of the Australian tarantulas ''Selenocosmia'' spp. and ''Phlogiellus'' spp. is particularly toxic to canines, with bites to dogs producing a high fatality rate.

Myths

There are several species of spider (and related arachnids) which have had false historical reputations for being harmful to humans.

Hobo spiders

The hobo spider, ''Eratigena agrestis'', may wander away from its web, especially in the fall, and thus come into contact with people. The Centers for Disease Control blamed the hobo spider in three reports of necrotic "bites" in the Pacific Northwest of the United States between 1988 and 1996. Studies performed by arachnologist Darwin Vest reported that this spider's venom caused significant necrotic effects in laboratory animals. Many agricultural authorities have published the advice that this species is potentially harmful, and medical personnel in the western United States and Canada have been advised to consider hobo spider bites when patients present with necrotic wounds.

However, in Europe, where the spider originates, the species is considered a harmless outdoor relative of the giant house spider (''Eratigena atrica''), and no other spider in the genus ''Eratigena'' is considered to be harmful to people. Attempts to replicate Vest's study that reported necrotic effects of the venom have failed, thus casting the "dangerous" status of this spider into doubt. In addition, Vest's methodologies have been questioned; he has been accused of incorrectly attributing symptoms to hobo spider bites when no positive identification of the spider was made. The one fatality attributed to the spider by medical authorities has also been questioned, and there are no documented cases where an otherwise-healthy person has developed a necrotic lesion from a positively identified hobo spider bite.

''Lycosa tarantula''

''Lycosa tarantula'', a species of wolf spider which is found near Taranto, Italy, Serbia, Montenegro (and the origin of the name tarantula, which today refers to a completely different kind of spider), was once blamed for a condition known as tarantism. A bitten young woman would be forced to dance wildly in the central plaza—the tarantella. Cultural interpretations report sexuality as an important aspect of the "spider bite". Originally thought to be mass hysteria, some scholars point to a culturally accepted means of exhibitionism. History of medicine believe the confusion came from workers in the fields would suffer bites, and observe large, conspicuous, hairy spiders in the area. That spider, ''L. tarantula'', was blamed for the pain and suffering (and occasional death) associated with tarantism. It is known that the bite of ''L. tarantula'', while sometimes painful, has no serious medical consequences for humans. It is also suspected that the real culprit was another spider, ''Latrodectus tredecimguttatus'', the European widow spider, which causes latrodectism. A similar mass hysteria surrounds purported brown recluse bites.
''Lycosa raptoria'' of South America has been reported to have caused a painful bite followed by intense tissue swelling and in some cases either mild systemic effects or a necrotic lesion. Subsequent investigation removed the species from suspicion.

White-tailed spiders

White-tailed spiders ('' Lampona'' spp.), indigenous to Australia and present as an invasive pest in New Zealand, have been blamed for a necrotic bite, producing symptoms similar to a brown recluse. The white-tailed spider (''Lampona'') was implicated for decades in necrotic lesions, but has been exonerated. A study of 130 white-tailed spider bites found no necrotic ulcers or confirmed infections; only a red mark, local swelling, and itchiness. Very occasionally nausea, vomiting, malaise or headache may occur.

Yellow sac spider

The Yellow Sac spiders, ''Cheiracanthium sp.'', were reported to produce a necrotic skin lesions. The few reports were cited many times. New analyses of numerous verified bites demonstrate no skin lesions but some local pain and redness. They are also very common in households and like to wander, which suggests a higher probability of the bites.

Harvestman

The spider-like arachnids known as Opiliones (also known as " harvestmen" or "daddy-long-legs") are a species often handled by humans. They are the subject of an urban legend which not only claims that harvestmen are venomous, but are in fact more venomous than any other spider though are incapable of biting humans due to their lack of penetration. This is untrue on several counts. None of the known species have venom glands or chelicerae bearing fangs, instead having smaller, pincer-like chelicerae that cannot usually penetrate human skin. In addition, incidents of opiliones biting people are rare, and no reported bites by these species have had any lasting effects.

The term "daddy-long-legs" also can refer to the similar-looking cellar spider. This species (a true spider) can bite humans, but its venom is not known to have any effects beyond mild discomfort at the site of the bite.

Camel spiders

The arachnids of the order Solifugae, also known as wind scorpions, camel or sun spiders, are neither spiders nor scorpions. In the Middle East, it is common belief among some American soldiers stationed there that Solifugae will feed on living human flesh. The urban myth claims that the creature will inject some anesthetizing venom into the exposed skin of its sleeping victim, then feed voraciously, leaving the victim to awaken with a gaping wound. Solifugae, however, do not produce such an anesthetic, and do not attack prey larger than themselves unless threatened.

Further, Solifugae are known to not possess any venom (other than one species in India, which may possess venom according to one study). However, due to the large size of their jaws, bites by Solifugae can cause significant wounds, which should be treated accordingly to avoid infection.

References

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Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites of the skin
Toxic effects of venomous animals
Spiders and humans
Arthropod attacks