Poison spiders

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Of the almost 50,000 known spider species, some of the species referred to here as poison spiders have also become known to have been poisoned in humans. Spiders have spider toxins that they actually use to acquire prey, with other arthropods being the prey in almost all cases . As a rule of thumb, only species with a body length (measured without legs) of over 10 millimeters are able to penetrate human skin with their jaw claws, the chelicerae . Serious cases of poisoning have become known of only a few species. Even in countries with poisonous spiders, the number of actual incidents is often greatly overestimated.

However, especially in subtropical and tropical latitudes, there is a small group of spider species (not closely related to one another), in which the poisonous effect may have evolved in addition to the defense against vertebrates that may threaten the spider . In the case of other spider species, especially those whose bite is not immediately painful, the effect can be assumed to be only incidental. Bites from poisonous spiders occur mainly in species that live in close contact with humans, often inside houses ( synanthropic ). Even then, they are rare and uncommon, often only when spiders are accidentally pushed or squeezed.

Fatal poison bites from spiders are documented but rare. One estimate assumed less than 200 cases per year worldwide, in the USA there are an average of about six per year.

diagnosis

Numerous reported cases of spider bites by venomous spiders turn out to be erroneous upon inspection. In western North America, for example, bites from the brown recluse spider Loxosceles reclusa are treated quite often , although this spider does not occur there. Due to their movement pattern, their hairy appearance and the many legs, spiders cause feelings of fear in many people, which can increase to pathological arachnophobia . Lesions discovered on the body are often ascribed to spiders, although in reality no connection is apparent. The following criteria therefore apply to verified spider bites: the bite must have shown actual symptoms ; there must have been a spider (since eyewitness accounts are unreliable, best caught); this spider must have been identified as a poisonous spider by an expert . The presence of two red dots, interpreted as puncture points of the jaw claws, which is often given as an indication, is only an unreliable indication.

Genera and species of venomous spiders

Poisonous spiders, which are actually threatening to humans and whose bite is worse than a wasp or mosquito bite , are limited to a few genera.

Funnel web spiders

Species of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche , which were traditionally grouped together in the family of the Hexathelidae , are referred to as so-called "funnel web spiders " (not to be confused with the much more harmless family of funnel spiders (Agelenidae)) . After a taxonomic revision in 2018, they were transferred to a family Atracidae. According to toxicological data, they are considered to be the most poisonous spiders. The most feared species is the Sydney funnel- web spider ( Atrax robustus ). The group comprises a total of 34 species, of which at least six are documented cases of poisoning in humans. The other five species, such as Hadronyche formidabilis , do not live synanthropically, but far from humans, mostly on tree trunks, so that there is seldom contact. They all live in southeast Australia (including the island of Tasmania ). In addition, the family of Hexathelidae also included the monotypic family of Macrothelidae, which only includes the genus Macrothele . Two species of the genus, one of which is the Andalusian funnel- web spider ( M. calpeiana ), also occur in the European Mediterranean region. The species of both families are the only venomous spiders that belong to the suborder of the tarantulas .

Australian funnel-web spiders

Threatening gesture of a Sydney funnel- web spider ( Atrax robustus )

Australian funnel web spiders are large to very large spiders with a body length of 15 to 45 millimeters. The very massive, parallel to the front ("orthognathic") chelicerene basic links are typical. The spiders are solid black or dark brown in color. They build a funnel-shaped safety net that converges in a finger-shaped tube, in the protection of which the spider lurks for prey that gets caught in the funnel web, the Sydney funnel-web spider often in gardens, between stones or in dry stone walls. The Sydney funnel-web spider, in particular, is known for its high irritability. A specimen that feels threatened first assumes a threatening gesture typical of spiders , in which the body is straightened, the front extremities are raised and the chelicerae are spread. A bite can follow if the spider continues to be provoked. Poison bites in humans are predominantly (88 percent in one study) caused by males, who are significantly more mobile than females when looking for them during the mating season. About five to ten cases are reported annually, all in Southeast Australia, near the coast. More serious symptoms occurred in about a third of the cases, exclusively in males. Before an antidote was developed and distributed in 1981, 13 deaths were guaranteed. No fatal cases have occurred since then.

The symptoms indicated are: Immediate, severe pain that lasts for about 30 minutes. Local numbness, reddening of the skin , goose bumps and muscle fasciculations occur . After about 10 minutes to an hour, systemic reactions such as muscle cramps, nausea, abdominal pain, sweating and shortness of breath can occur. A pressure bandage is recommended as immediate treatment; in the hospital, patients can usually be discharged home after two to four hours after administration of the antidote. Delta atracotoxins , peptides that act as neurotoxins, have been identified as the main poison of the Australian funnel -web spiders .

European funnel-web spiders

Threatening gesture of an Andalusian funnel- web spider ( Macrothele calpeiana )

In Europe there are two species of the genus Macrothele which, like the species belonging to the genera Atrax and Hadronyche , were counted in the family of the Hexathelidae and are closely related to them. The genus Macrothele now belongs to the monotypical family of the Macrothelidae, so it is their only genus. The two representatives are the species Macrothele cretica, endemic to Crete, and the Andalusian funnel- web spider ( M. calpeiana ). The bite in humans and its consequences have been handed down for the latter species. The poison of the Andalusian funnel-web spider can cause circulatory problems. However, more serious consequences or even deaths have not been proven.

According to their relationship to these, the species of the genus Macrothele are similar to those of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche , but remain somewhat smaller overall. The total length of the Andalusian funnel web spider is a maximum of 35 millimeters. Similar to the representatives of the other genera, those of the genus Macrothele also create funnel nets , which are created at the base of tree trunks or under stones in the Andalusian funnel- web spider . They are also said to have behaved as aggressively as their Australian relatives. Otherwise little is known about the 15 species of the genus Macrothele, which is represented from Europe to the east of China .

Widow spiders

European black widow ( Latrodectus tredecimguttatus )

The species of the genus of the real widows ( Latrodectus ) belonging to the hood web spiders (Theridiidae) , whose most poisonous species are called " black widows ", are probably the best known of the poisonous spiders . The term "widow" goes back to the earlier assumption that the much larger female would regularly eat the male during mating, in fact an artifact of cage management in the laboratory. As with many spiders, mating is sometimes fatal for the male, but not regularly. With the European black widow or Malmignatte ( Latrodectus tredecimguttatus ) a species also occurs in southern Europe. The genus comprises a good 30 species, most cases of poisoning are reported by the southern black widow ( Latrodectus mactans ). The genus is widespread with different kinds in Europe, South Asia, Australia, Africa and North and South America, two kinds are occupied by New Zealand. All species build a characteristic hood network in dark places, often synanthropically on human dwellings. Cases of poisoning often occur when spiders are accidentally crushed after they have retreated into items of clothing such as shoes or gardening gloves. In the past, many cases were reported during the grain harvest or in outdoor outhouses , which is less common today. Bites are almost exclusively reported from female spiders. In Australia, the red-backed spider ( Latrodectus hasselti ) is responsible for about two-thirds of reported poison bites, including almost all severe cases.

Ventral view of a southern black widow ( L. mactans ) with the hourglass drawing typical of the real widow ( Latrodectus ).

The so-called "black widows" are, like the majority of the real widows, mostly black in color with a typical, hourglass-shaped red markings on the underside of the abdomen. The European species is markedly red spotted there and is therefore unmistakable. In Africa there are species with white markings, some species such as the white widow ( Latrodectus pallidus ) are predominantly white, others brown. The species have the typical shape of the crested web spiders, the differentiation of the genus is only possible for specialists.

Symptoms of a poison bite in black widows are immediate pain and unspecific reactions such as sweating, hypertension , restlessness, fever, tingling and itching ( paraesthesia ). The pain usually lasts for a day or two, and the other symptoms for one to four days. In many cases, the local pain response remains or there are no symptoms at all. Usually only pain medication is given. An antidote is available but has been reluctant to use it in severe cases in the US due to frequent allergic reactions to it having been reported (while it is used regularly in Australia). Intramuscular anti-venom administration proved ineffective. Persistent pain is usually the main symptom.

The main component of the poison is alpha-latrotoxin , a protein that acts as a neurotoxin . It binds to certain membrane receptors known as neurexins and latrophilins in the nerve cells and causes an excessive release of neurotransmitters . The poisons of the different Latrodectus species cause similar symptoms everywhere; in fact, the specific antidotes can also be used against other species of the genus.

Six-eyed sand spiders

The family of six-eyed sand spiders (Sicariidae) includes the three genera Hexophthalma , Loxosceles ( hermit violin spiders ) and Sicarius , all of which are known for their potent poisons. Six-eyed sand spiders are the only spiders whose bite has been found to have necrotic wounds, although these are only considered to have been passed on in humans through the bites of the hermit violin spiders. However, in the many cases, statements that necrosis was due to a spider bite turned out to be false. In Australia, despite numerous suspected cases, it has never been possible to associate existing necrosis with spider bites. No necrosis was observed in 130 cases of spider bites of the long suspected "white tails" (of the Lamponidae family ).

Hermit Violin Spiders

The well in the European Mediterranean occurring brown violin spider ( Loxosceles rufescens )

In English usage, the hermit violin spiders ( Loxosceles ) are known similarly to the German trivial name as "recluse spiders" (translated "hermit spiders"). The species-rich genus includes around 140 species, with worldwide distribution in the tropics and subtropics, with a distribution focus in the New World. Few species penetrate into the temperate (temperate) latitudes, in North America especially Loxosceles reclusa (five other species in the USA are rarer and only common in the south). A particularly large number of cases of poisoning can be traced back to the South American Loxosceles laeta . Species like the brown violin spider ( Loxosceles rufescens ) also live in the European Mediterranean area . Species of the hermit violin spiders are mostly brownish in color, with many species with a violin-shaped, darker mark on the front body. The long-legged spiders have six eyes in two rows.

Loxosceles reclusa ; commonly known as the "brown recluse spider"; The violin-shaped drawing on the front body is easy to see

In the United States, the effect of the poison bite is described as loxoscelism (loxoscelism). Characteristic is an edema at the bite site, followed by an ulcer ( ulcer ) and local necrosis , which can be extended. Systemic effects are also known, they include hemolysis and blood clotting in the blood vessels as well as internal bleeding ; death can result from kidney failure. While severe cases receive a great deal of attention in the medical literature, it should not be overlooked that most bites remain without major symptoms. Often the bite remains almost painless, after two to eight hours a burning pain occurs, the bite site itself becomes pale, surrounded by a red, swollen edema. A small black colored necrotic zone often forms at the bite site, which leads to a characteristic eye shape. The wound heals within a few weeks with scab formation . Normal wound treatment is carried out in mild cases ; removal of the necrotic tissue ( excision ) has only proven advantageous in very severe cases.

The poison of the hermit violin spiders is complex. An essential component is sphingomyelinase D. This enzyme causes the release of N-acylsphingosine and choline from red blood cells, which leads to platelet aggregation and hemolysis .

The genus Sicarius

Female of Sicarius levii partially buried in the sand

The spider species of the genus Sicarius occur in South America and in southern Africa. The spiders were residents of the former continent of Gondwana , who inhabit regions in what is now the two continents of Africa and South America where both continents were once connected.

Spiders of this genus are similar to the closely related hermit violin spiders ( Loxosceles ) and, like them, appear dorsoventrally (top side) flattened and have six eyes. They also have a reddish basic color. In contrast to the hermit violin spiders, they hunt without a spider web, but free-range as ambulance hunters. Some species are known to burrow in the sand and shoot out in a flash when prey comes within range.

Due to the hidden way of life of the species of this genus and their occurrence in areas that are rather sparsely populated by humans, hardly any confirmed bite accidents of these spiders have survived. Only one bite is known, in which slight symptoms of intoxication could be determined. In experiments in which rabbits were bitten by individuals of Sicarius albospinosus and Sicarius spatulatus , 77% of the test animals first showed severe tissue damage and then died. Post mortem (after the rabbits had died), destruction of the internal organs was revealed. In contrast, no guinea pigs who were injected with poison from hermit violin spiders or that of the forked thorn finger ( Cheiracanthium furculatum ) died. Based on these results, the spiders of the genus Sicarius are rated as potentially fatal for humans.

The treatment and differential diagnosis of bites on the part of the spiders of the genus Sicarius are carried out in the same way as bites of the hermit violin spiders and the forked thorn finger with the addition of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy .

Banana spiders

The characteristic threatening posture of a Brazilian wandering spider ( Phoneutria nigriventer )

The collective term "banana spiders" includes all species of the genera Phoneutria from the family of comb spiders (Ctenidae) and some species of the genus Cupiennius from the family of fishing spiders (Trechaleidae) as well as the warm-house giant crab spider ( Heteropoda venatoria ) from the family of giant crab spiders (Sparassidae) . These spiders are known to be introduced occasionally with banana tree transports to both North America and Europe (for example, a specimen of the large banana spider ( Phoneutria boliviensis ) was found in a banana box in a Hessian supermarket in 2009). This is most common with the species of the genus Cupiennius . In contrast to some species of the genus Phoneutria, both this and the warm-house giant crab spider are largely harmless to humans.

The most prominent among the so-called "banana spiders" is the genus Phoneutria , which comprises eight species, the most famous of which is the Brazilian wandering spider ( P. nigriventer ). Phoneutria species are large spiders with a body length of about 30 to 50 millimeters, depending on the species, and usually inconspicuously brown to gray in color, often with reddish chelicerae and a black or light mark on the underside of both the pairs of legs and the opisthosoma ( Abdomen), which are raised in a threatening gesture that is also similar to that of other spiders when the spiders encounters possible predators (predators) . In addition, the opisthosoma can also be pushed forward and the warning colors on it can be presented. The species of the genus live in tropical forests, but some of them, especially the Brazilian wandering spider and Phoneutria keyserlingi , also penetrate from there into secondary habitats such as plantations and settlements. The nocturnal spiders live nomadically and spend the day in a narrow crevice as a hiding place. These are then also gladly accepted for the adapted species in settlement areas and on banana plants. Males during the mating season are also active during the day and often invade houses, where poison bites are not uncommon.

Phoneutria fera , believed to be one of the species in the genus with a more potent venom.

Although all representatives of the genus Phoneutria show a high level of aggressiveness, the toxicity (effect) of the poisons of these and thus also the danger posed by the individual species to humans seems to vary. This also depends on the likelihood of a meeting between humans and spiders, which is correspondingly higher for the two species occurring in urban areas than for the others, which mostly live far away from settlement areas. The Brazilian wandering spider and Phoneutria keyserlingi and possibly Phoneutria fera and Phoneutria reidyi have stronger poisons, which can also result in death in humans . Poison bites of the four other species, the large banana spider, Phoneutria bahiensis , Phoneutria eickstedtae and Phoneutria pertyi also seem unpleasant in humans, but never fatal.

The poison bite of the Brazilian wandering spider is described as very painful. There is often local swelling and hyperemia , often combined with a palpitations. In about 90 percent of the cases there are no other symptoms. About 9 percent also experience sweating and nausea. About one percent of the cases are more severe and can lead to a drop in blood pressure ( arterial hypotension ), cardiac arrhythmias or pulmonary edema . An antidote is available for severe cases, but pain medication is usually sufficient. As is typical of spider venom, the venom is a complex mixture of more than 100 different peptides and enzymes, some of which show neurotoxic activity. Typical is a class of cysteine-rich toxins characterized by the protein motif of the cystine knot (collectively referred to as ctenitoxins).

Poison spiders in Central Europe

Of the approximately 4500 species of spider found in Europe, the only medically relevant species is the European black widow. There are a number of other species in which, based on morphological characteristics such as body size and spreadability of the chelicera claws, it can be assumed that they are in principle able to penetrate the human skin when bitten. However, poison bites are only guaranteed for very few species, mostly as a rarity or an isolated case. In a few species, venom bites occur with some regularity. These are mainly heat-loving, south-widespread species from the Mediterranean region, with irradiating occurrences to Central Europe. As some of these species recently expanded their range to Central Europe as a result of climate change, where spider bites were completely unknown until then, there have been a number of reports in the media. The problem was often exaggerated. Notorious is a press campaign about an alleged "invasion of the death spiders " of the thorn finger ( Cheiracanthium punctorium ) in 2006.

Zoropsis spinimana

A female of Zoropsis spinimana defending her egg cocoon .

Zoropsis spinimana , sensationally referred to as the "Nosferatu spider", is a species from the family of curled spiders (Zoropsidae). Its large distribution area also includes the European Mediterranean area. For a few years now, the species has been beginning to expand its area to Central Europe, presumably carried away by human transport, so it has appeared in Austria since 1998, in Switzerland since 2003, and in Germany since 2006. The species continued to spread and can now be expected all over Germany. In 2008 it reached Great Britain. In the northern parts of this new distribution area the species is purely synanthropic and occurs almost exclusively inside houses, where it can be expected all year round, including in winter. Zoropsis spinimana reaches a body length of 15 millimeters as a female and 10 millimeters as a male, and its habitus is reminiscent of a wolf spider . It is colored brown, the front body with two dark longitudinal stripes, on the abdomen a dark longitudinal spot with a few angular spots behind. It is nocturnal and rests during the day in a self-made hiding place. She does not build safety nets.

Poison bites from Zoropsis spinimana are very rare, but do occur. In a two-year investigation in Switzerland, five verified cases were reported. All concerned females of the spider, inside or near houses. Except for a few minutes of pain (comparable to a wasp sting) and local redness and swelling, no symptoms are known or expected.

Thorn finger

The genus of the thornfinger thornfinger ( Cheiracanthium ), which belongs to the family of the thornfinger spider (Cheiracanthiidae), is widespread in Central Europe and some representatives, such as the majority of the species belonging to the genus, heather thornfingers ( C. erraticum ), which are harmless to humans, are there also quite common.

Nurse Dornfinger

With spread chelicerae threatening wet nurse's thorn fingers ( Cheiracanthium punctorium )

The best-known type of the genus is the wet nurse's thorn finger ( C. punctorium ). Of all spiders naturally occurring in Germany, the wet nurse's thorn finger is one of the very few species in which bites with medically relevant complications are possible. Poison bites of other Dornfinger species are described as comparable in their symptoms. For a few years the house thorn finger ( Cheiracanthium mildei ), a similar species with a comparable way of life, has also appeared in Central Europe. The wet nurse's thorn finger reaches 10 to 15 millimeters in length as females and 8 to 10 millimeters in length as males. The front body is orange to brownish, the abdomen greenish-yellow in color with a darker central spot. The legs and the strikingly long chelicerae are of the same color as the body, the tips of which (with the poisonous claws themselves) are darker. The species lives in the wild, but invades houses quite regularly. It builds characteristic, rather conspicuous, woven sacks of about 30 to 50 centimeters in diameter spun onto stalks above the ground, mostly in grassland, for example at the edges of paths. In midsummer, the female also lays her egg cocoon in it, which she guards. The spiders leave these hiding places to hunt freely at night to catch prey. The species used to occur in Central Europe only in heat-favored areas, in the Upper Rhine Valley ( Kaiserstuhl ) and in Brandenburg, and was considered endangered according to the Red List. It began to spread from these relic areas in the 1990s, but is still rather rare in most regions today. There are many occurrences in Brandenburg, around Berlin, and on the Upper Rhine and Saarland, and further expansion is to be expected.

House thorn fingers

House thorn fingers ( Cheiracanthium mildei )

In a study in Switzerland from 2011 to 2013, following a public call to report spider bites, four cases were registered. All cases occurred inside houses, for example when putting on clothes or washing windows. The patients reported burning pain, onset immediately after the bite, with a maximum a few minutes later, which subsided after one to a few hours. The bite was red and a little swollen. Earlier reports in the medical literature about the occurrence of necrosis at the bite site in Dornfinger species in Europe and North and South America have proven to be erroneous. As in Switzerland, most of the bites were on fingers when trying to remove the spider. In addition to the local pain, systemic reactions occurred in two cases, one headache and one nausea with vomiting. A total of 40 bites in Europe, North America and Australia were verified by Dornfinger species. A Cheiracanthium mildei bite was registered in Saxony in 2007. One person was bitten in the hand in their home. There was strong, burning pain, comparable to a wasp sting, and a slight reddening of the bite. After two hours, the symptoms were gone.

Angle spinning

Large angle spider ( Tegenaria atrica ) on a house wall

Various species of the genera Eratigena and Tegenaria from the family of funnel spiders (Agelenidae) are called "angle spiders", some of which also occur increasingly in settlement areas as " house spiders ". A prominent example is the large angle spider ( Eratigena atrica , syn .: Tegenaria atrica ), which, like some related and very similar species, is one of the most common synanthropic indoor spiders in Central Europe. It occurs in the cellars of almost all older houses, but does not avoid dwellings of any kind. The females reach about 18 millimeters, males only 15 millimeters, making them one of the largest spiders in the region. The long-legged, very hairy-looking spider is colored brown with dark markings, on the front body two indistinct longitudinal bands, on the abdomen a pattern of angular spots. The legs are monochrome, not ringed like some of the related species. The large angle spider prefers to live in houses, only rarely in the open. In a space that is not too dry, it builds a funnel network , starting from a crevice or crack , that tapers within the crevice to a living tube in which it lurks for prey. She is nocturnal. Animals that run around at night in the apartment often get caught in sinks or bathtubs, the smooth walls of which make them a trap for the animals.

Although the species is extremely common, bites are rare. A mild pain sensation is reported, weaker than a wasp sting, sometimes with reddening of the bite. There are similar reports of related species such as the rust-red angle spider ( Tegenaria ferruginea , Syn .: Malthonica ferruginea ) and other "house spiders".

Dark spiders

Cellar spider ( Amaurobius ferox )

Within the family of the dark spiders (Amaurobiidae), the genus of the real dark spiders ( Amaurovius ) is particularly prominent and, similar to the angle spiders, includes other adaptable spider species that are also increasingly found in and on houses. Among them, the window spider ( A. fenestralis ), the cellar spider ( A. ferox ) and the similar window spider ( A. similis ) are particularly well known .

The real dark spiders, like all dark spiders and similar to the angle spiders, create a funnel web, which, however, is much more coarse-meshed. In contrast to the angular spiders, they also have a lighter basic color and are stronger and shorter-legged. Bites of the three aforementioned species have been passed down, but they rarely occur here either. The bite of these spiders itself is considered painful and symptoms often include swelling in the area of ​​the bite wound, which can last up to 12 hours. Otherwise no further symptoms will follow.

Tube spiders

Male red tube spider ( Eresus kollari ) threatening with raised opisthosoma

The family of tube spiders (Eresidae) includes species of the genus of real tube spiders ( Eresus ), among others the most striking spider species occurring in Central Europe, four of which are represented here. Two of them, the ring-footed spider ( E. sandaliatus ) and the red tube spider ( E. kollari ) also occur in Germany , but are severely endangered there and therefore protected. In Austria and the Czech Republic there is also Eresus moravicus and in the Czech Republic the endemic species Eresus hermani .

The representatives of the genus are characterized by a strong sexual dimorphism (difference between the sexes). The smaller male has a high-contrast color scheme, with the prosoma and extremities predominantly black and the opisthosoma a red basic color with several pairs of dots, which are warning colors. The larger female, on the other hand, is predominantly or entirely black in color. The species of the genus are mostly inhabitants of open and dry habitats and, according to the common name, create self-dug tubes there, which are provided with funnel-like webs. In particular, the males, who are more exposed to predators when looking for females, can defend themselves from a bite by means of a threatening gesture, in which the warning colors are particularly effective.

At least bites of the ring-footed and the red tube spider have been handed down. The symptoms that are described as radiating to the armpit include a feverish feeling and an increased heartbeat. If the finger is bitten, the pain extends to the armpit. These symptoms subside after three hours. However, a severe headache can last for several days and the bite wound may remain tender for a few days.

More types

Large woodlouse hunter ( Dysdera crocata )

Poison bites are reported from a number of other species, mostly anecdotal in individual cases. The symptoms are similar to those described for the large angle spider: Mild, not long-lasting pain, sometimes reddening and swelling of the bite site. These species include the synanthropic cellar spider ( Amaurobius ferox ) and some spider species that are common in the wild, such as the large wolf spider species Trochosa spinipalpis (a case from Finland), various large garden spiders ( Araneus and related genera), large woodlice hunter ( Dysdera crocata ), wallpaper spiders of the Genus Atypus . A number of other species are cited again and again without a certified case of a poison bite having actually been published, including the water spider ( Argyroneta aquatica ). Some reports of small species are considered implausible.

Rumors of actually more harmless spiders

There are more and more assumptions about spiders that are dangerous, but in reality there is much less danger or no danger at all. This is particularly true of tarantulas and the so-called " tarantulas ". The reasons for these assumptions can be varied.

Tarantulas

Tarantula of the species Grammostola rosea on the hand

In particular, the species of the tarantula family (Theraphosidae) are said to pose a high level of danger, but this is not the rule. The bite of tarantulas is considered painful due to the large chelicerae of the comparatively primitive and large spiders, but apart from the bites of a few species, it is usually not associated with medically relevant complications. Furthermore, the poison glands of tarantulas are comparatively small, which is why the animals cannot release large amounts of poison with one bite. In at least one adult person, the effects of a tarantula bite are usually compared to that of a bee or wasp sting. The pain usually lasts up to half an hour. In children or physically ailing people, as well as those who are allergic to the venom of the spiders, the bite can, however, be associated with greater complications. However, no deaths from tarantula bites have been reported.

Pterinochilus murinus tarantula pose in threat

Depending on the species, tarantulas have a large variety of warning signals that they can use to signal readiness for defense. The best known is the threatening gesture typical of other spiders , in which the spider straightens up, raises the front extremities and spreads the chelicerae. Some other species, such as those of the genus Psalmopoeus, can also use special organs to produce so-called stridulation noises, which then sound hissing or chirping. The so-called "bombardier spiders" can also announce a "bombing" by covering their prosoma (front body) with their rear pairs of legs. The spider mostly exercises a direct defense when these signals are ineffective.

A giant Peruvian blue-footed tarantula ( Pamphobeteus antinous ), which previously defended itself by "bombing" with its stinging hair . This is noticeable through the "bald head" of the still raised opisthosoma.

There are also differences in the geographic origin of the respective tarantula. The American tarantula species, which make up more than half of all known representatives of this family, usually do not pose any great danger. In addition, many of these species are generally reluctant to take a direct defense. However, the species of the subfamilies Theraphosinae and Aviculariinae , which are represented in this double continent, have stinging hairs on the opisthosoma, with the help of which they can defend themselves against predators by means of so-called "bombing". To do this, the spider brushes its back legs over the opisthosoma and thereby hurls the loosened stinging hairs towards the attacker. Upon contact or even penetration into the skin, the stinging hairs cause itching that lasts for several days or even weeks. Penetration into the mouth and nose can cause nausea and breathing difficulties as well as severe discomfort. Contact with the eyes can cause the stinging hairs to damage the cornea as well as inflammation of the conjunctiva and iris. Tarantulas of the genus Avicularia can also defend themselves by spraying their feces, but this has no health consequences.

The tiger tarantula ( Poecilotheria regalis ) is one of the tarantulas with a stronger poison.

The tarantula species of the Old World , which mostly lack stinging hairs, have a slightly higher potential for aggression . These species can also take a poison bite without warning. Fever, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating and local symptoms of paralysis are known to result from the bite of African tarantulas. The consequences can last for days. The leopard tarantula ( Stromatopelma calceatum ) found in Africa is one of the tarantulas with the strongest venom. The bite of many Asian tarantulas results in severe itching, which can be accompanied by increased pain and redness. The species of the genus Poecilotheria in particular have a comparatively strong poison that can cause symptoms that last for eight days after being bitten by these spiders. In addition, edema in the area of ​​the bite wound, swelling of local lymph nodes and nausea or numbness have been described as a result of bites of species of this genus .

Tarantulas

Excerpt from p. 695 from the journal Die Gartenlaube (1879) by the publisher Ernst Keil

With the " tarantulas " one speaks mostly of six larger species from the family of the wolf spiders ( Lycosidae) and more rarely individual species within the family of the tarantulas (Theraphosidae). Due to the frequent mistranslation of the English word tarantula for "tarantula", spiders belonging to the latter family are also often incorrectly referred to as "tarantulas". The wolf spiders known as "tarantulas" are predominantly distributed in the Mediterranean and belong to the genera Hogna and Lycosa . They are among the largest spiders in Europe. There is also the genus of the pseudo-tarantulas ( Alopecosa ) belonging to the same family , whose species are also found in other parts of Europe, including Central Europe .

The six best known tarantula species belonging to the wolf spiders share the typical physique with other species of this family, but are characterized overall for their large dimensions compared to other wolf spiders. The South Russian ( Lycosa singoriensis ) and the Deserta tarantula ( Hogna schmitzi ) reach a maximum body length of 40 millimeters as females, making them the largest spider species in continental Europe together with the Greek tube spider ( Eresus walckenaeri ), whose females can reach the same body length are. All six species are predominantly nocturnal and hunt the majority of wolf spiders free-roaming as ambulance hunters and therefore without a spider web . The representatives of the genus Lycosa live in self-dug earth tubes, in which they spend most of the day. The tarantulas of the genus Hogna, on the other hand, mostly retreat under stones or other protective objects during this time. In the event of a threat, the six tarantulas, like the other spiders mentioned here, can first defend themselves with the typical threatening gestures before defending themselves with a poisonous bite if they are ineffective.

Apulian tarantula ( Lycosa tarantula )

The best-known species with the word "tarantula" in its common name is the Apulian tarantula ( Lycosa tarantula ), which is widespread in the Mediterranean , and from which the name was also developed. The word "tarantula" is derived from the Apulian city ​​of Tarento ( Táranto in Italian ). Its bite is considered painful, but its effect is also compared to that of a wasp sting. In earlier times in particular, the bite of the Apulian tarantula like that of the European black widow ( Latrodectus tredecimguttatus ) was seen as a trigger for tarantism (dance rage), which would then be treated with the folk dance tarantella . In the meantime, the appearance of the dance frenzy after the bite of these spiders is considered a popular belief.

Threatening South Russian tarantula ( Lycosa singoriensis )

The bite of the South Russian tarantula, which is common in the Eurasian steppe , is also considered painful. Often, after a bite of this type, there is severe swelling and redness in the area of ​​the bite wound. These symptoms are accompanied by pain in the wound that lasts up to 24 hours. According to reports, shortly after the bite, the general condition of the bite victim also deteriorates, which is seen as a result of the onset of apathy (lack of excitability) and need for sleep as well as the feeling of ankylosis (complete joint stiffness). In one individual case, a bite victim reported that after about an hour and forty-five minutes after the bite, he felt his entire body weight increased and, in addition to the need for sleep, also slight pain in the lower area of ​​the chest and increased dyspnea (difficult breathing) became noticeable .

Black-bellied tarantula ( Hogna radiata ) with remains of prey on the chelicerae

Another very prominent tarantula is the black-bellied tarantula ( Hogna radiata ), which is also widespread in the Mediterranean area , which is rumored to attack people sleeping in tents and inflict bite wounds that are difficult to heal. The effect of the black-bellied tarantula's bite can also be compared to that of a wasp sting. The bite of the Porto Santo tarantula ( Hogna schmitzi ), which is endemic to the Portuguese island of Porto Santo, is considered to be quite painful and causes symptoms such as an increased temperature, pain and swelling in the area of ​​the bite wound. There is also a burning sensation and an increased pulse. However, these symptoms subside after just 24 hours. The Deserta tarantula, which is also native to the island of Deserta Grande, which also belongs to Portugal, can also bite painfully like the other tarantulas presented. This species does not pose any great danger to humans either. The same applies to the Spanish tarantula ( Lycosa fasciiventris ) found in the western Mediterranean region .

White-tailed Spiders

Lampona cylindrata , one of the two species of spider known as the "white-tailed spider".

The two species of spider Lampona cylindrata and Lampona murina from the Lamponidae family are referred to as "White-tailed Spiders" or "White Tail Spiders" . Both species are common in southern Australia and have also been introduced into New Zealand . Both L cylindrata and L. murina are attributed to the fact that their bites can cause necrosis in the area of ​​the bite wound in humans.

The spiders of the Lamponidae family including the species L cylindrata and L. murina belong to the superfamily of the Gnaphosoidea , which also includes the flat-bellied spider (Gnaphosiade) family, which is widespread in Central Europe , but whose species are completely harmless to humans. As a result, the species L cylindrata and L. murina resemble the flat-bellied spiders in terms of habit and way of life. Like these, they have a sturdy, short-legged shape with a flattened body and cylindrical spinnerets . The basic color of the spiders is dark red to gray, while the legs are dark orange to brown. Dorsally, the opisthosoma has two pairs of faint white spots, which, however, appear more indistinct in the adult spiders. The nocturnal spiders, like flat-bellied spiders, use web sacks as a retreat for the inactivity time and usually move jerkily. As food specialists, they only hunt other spiders.

Bites of both types have been reported. Proven symptoms are burning pain, followed by swelling and itching in the area of ​​the bite wound. Allegedly, after the spider's bite, scars , blistering or local ulcerations (swelling) can occur in the area of ​​the bite wound. In particular, the veracity of the latter sequence of bites is increasingly discussed. According to media reports, after bites from the spider species L cylindrata and L. murina , “necrotizing arachnidism” occurred in bite victims, which earned both species a bad reputation. This phenomenon is identical to the alleged growths that appear after the bite of these spiders. In patients in whom these occurred, a spider bite was mostly suspected but not proven with certainty. In 100 traditional bites of the spider species L cylindrata and L. murina , no such symptoms were found in the patients, which confirms the refutation of necrosis as a result of the spider's bite.

Fake widows

The harmless common fat spider ( S. bipunctata ) belongs to the genus of fat spiders ( Steatoda ) and is also frequently found in Germany .

The ambiguous term "false widow" describes spiders from the genus of fat spiders ( Steatoda ), which look confusingly similar to the " black widows " belonging to the genus of real widows ( Latrodectus ) . Like the real widows, the fat spiders belong to the family of hooded web spiders (Theridiidae) and live an identical way of life - they put on hooded nets for the purpose of catching prey and are predominantly nocturnal. According to rare reports, a bite from some fat spiders produces symptoms similar, albeit milder, to those of the widow species. Generally, symptoms that appear after the fat spider bites are called steatodism . The genus of the fat spider, in contrast to that of the real widows, also occurs in Central Europe . However, there is no valid evidence of actual poison bites from there.

Noble ball spider ( Steatoda nobilis )

Particularly prominent among the "false widows" is the noble ball spider ( S. nobilis ), which was once native to Madeira and the Canary Islands , but has also spread to western and central Europe such as the Maghreb and the Middle East as well as the western part of the United States and also in parts of South America . Like the spider species Lampona cylindrata and Lampona murina known as "white-tailed spiders" , the noble ball spider is also often held responsible for bites that cause necrosis , especially since the reputation of this species has been worsened by media reports. Necroses occurring after the bite of the noble ball spider are actually documented differently than with the other two spiders, but this is rarely the case and is probably the result of a bacterial infection of the bite wound. Bites of the noble ball spider, which, like all hooded web spiders, are not really eager to bite, resolve a pain in the area of ​​the bite wound, the sensation of which is also compared to that of a wasp sting and usually subsides after 12, rarely only after 24 hours. In addition, swelling, erythema (inflammatory reddening) and itching in the area of ​​the bite wound can occur as symptoms from bites of the noble ball spider .

False black widow ( Steatoda paykulliana )

Other known species of the genus are in Africa domestic as well as Australia and New Zealand introduced species Steatoda capensis , because of the similarity to the Red Katipo ( Latrodectus Katipo is also known as "wrong Katipo"), as well as in the Mediterranean spread False Black Widow ( S . paykulliana ). The latter species is particularly similar to the much more dangerous European black widow ( Latrodectus tredecimguttatus ), which sometimes occurs in the same area, and is therefore often confused with it. The bite of false black widow is like that of Real widows, including the European black widow apparently neurotoxic ( nerve agent ), but not achieved in humans the effect, as can occur through bites of the Real widows.

Field angle spider

Field angle spider ( Eratigena agrestis )

The field angle spider ( Eratigena agrestis ) is closely related to the slightly larger large angle spider ( Eratigena atrica ) and, like this, was previously assigned to the genus of the small angle spiders ( Tegenaria ). The field angle spider is predominantly Palearctic, but also distributed in the northwest of the United States in the US states of Washington , Oregon , Idaho and Utah . There the species is known as the hobo spider (translated as “migrant worker” or “homeless spider ”) because it has been sighted in abundance on railway tracks within these states, although it also occurs on rock retaining walls, accumulations of building materials, under rubble and on the foundation walls of buildings can. Another name is Aggressive house spider (translated "Aggressive house spider"). This is misleading, however, since the field-angle spider is not usually found in buildings and, like many spiders, is not biting. Bites can occur if the spider is crushed.

The field angle spider resembles the large angle spider both in terms of its habitus and way of life, so that this species, like all of the funnel spider family (Agelenidae), creates the eponymous funnel nets to catch prey. The body length of the field angle spider is a good six to 13 and the leg span about 30 to 50 millimeters. Other features that can also be found in many other spiders are the long legs, the brown-colored body with the grayish opisthosoma and yellowish drawing elements.

The field-angle spider was also previously held responsible for bites that cause necrosis, which is now also a rumor for this species. In experiments in which test animals were injected with the spider's venom, the animals in question did not even experience any skin reactions. In humans, too, the bite of the field angle spider should mostly only be felt like a pinprick. In 2014, a bite from an individual field angle spider was found on a human victim in Oregon. The person complained of pain, redness, and leg twitching that lasted 12 hours. No other symptoms could be noted.

Spider species kept in terrariums

Specimen of the tarantula species Selenocosmia barensteinerae kept as a terrarium animal

After several incidents involving dangerous wild animals kept in private homes, the adoption of so-called dangerous animal laws or regulations is being discussed in various federal states. The Thuringian Wildlife Hazard Ordinance of January 19, 2012 is legally binding. It includes "from the order of the spiders (Aranea): from the family of funnel-web spiders (Hexathelidae) all animals of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche , from the family of comb spiders ( Ctenidae) all animals of the genus Phoneutria , from the family of the six-eyed sand spiders (Sicariidae) all animals of the genera Sicarius and Loxosceles , from the family of ball spiders (Theridiidae) all animals of the genus Latrodectus , from the family of tarantulas (Theraphosidae) all animals of the genera Trechona , Harpactirella , Poecilotheria , Pterinochilus , Selenocosmia , Stromatopelma ”. The planned regulations in other federal states are, as far as publicly known, comparable, for example in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria.

The inclusion of tarantula species is particularly controversial. More serious symptoms can only be assumed from species of the genus Poecilotheria , in which a recent study documents the possibility of convulsions after a poison bite. The other species are considered harmless according to professional assessment.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ World Spider Catalog. Version 21.5 , accessed on October 21, 2020. "Currently 48903 accepted species included"
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  3. ^ Richard S. Vetter (2000): Myth: Idiopathic wounds are often due to brown recluse or other spider bites throughout the United States. Western Journal of Medicine 173 (5): 357-378. doi: 0.1136 / ewjm.173.5.357
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