Funnel-Web spiders
Location: They are found in eastern Australia, Tazmania, and coastal highland forest areas. Funnel-Webs prefer cool, sheltered habitats, such as under rocks, in barks of trees, Rockeries and shrubbery in gardens.
Appearance: These large spiders are dark brown to black in color, with the abdomen being a dark plum, and plain in appearance. The eyes are very close together. Males of this species have a swelling on their second leg.
Bites: The toxic venom that affects humans and primates is only present in the male spider. Bites are dangerous and can cause illness or death. Symptoms from a bite include, mouth numbness, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sweating.
Treatment: Antivenom is used, and there has been no deaths since its introduction. Immobilization bandages and a splint should be used on the affected area, which is usually a limb. Do not wash venom off skin as this will identify the species. Seek medical assistant as soon as possible.
Brazilian wandering spider
Location: First discovered in Brazil, but also found in South and Central America. Commonly found in highly populated areas. They are usually found accidently when the are looking for cover in houses, people’s footwear, cars, boxes, and log piles.
Appearance: A notable feature is the blue hair covering its lethal fangs. The Brazilian wandering spider can grow to have a leg span of up to 4-5 inches.
Bites: These spiders have a reputation for being the world’s most deadliest spiders. Studies show that they only inject venom in about 1 3rd of their bites. Symptoms include severe pain, and uncomfortable erections in men that can last for several hours. This is why the spiders venom could be used in cases of impotent men in the future.
Treatment: Seek medical assistant right away.
Location: They are within the four deserts of the American south west region. This spider prefers warmer regions, and can be found in other regions in the world. Also found under plants, rocks and debris.
Appearance: The female is shiny black in color, and has reddish hourglass shape on the underside of her abdomen. Adult males have yellow and red bands with spots over their backs. They are smaller than the female, and harmless to humans.
Bites: These have a very venomous bite. The bite itself is not sore, and may go unnoticed. The victim may feel pain similar to appendicitis, pain in the muscles, pain in the soles of their feet, sweating, paralysis, and swollen eyelids.
Treatment: Apply an ice pack, and elevate the affected limb to about heart level. Seek medical attention.
Location: The brown recluse spider is found mainly in the central Midwestern states southward to the Gulf of Mexico.
Appearance: The color can range from light brown to dark tan. Most spiders have eight eyes, but the Recluse spider has only six. The eyes are arranged in pairs, in a semi circle on the forepart of the cephalothorax.
Bites: It depends on the persons sensitivity to the bite, some people have no reaction. On others the venom kills the tissue at the site of the bite. It is all based on how much venom is injected. Intense pain, stinging sensation, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms of a bite from the Brown Recluse. The bite can result in a wound that can take a long time to heal. A volcano shaped lump can appear where the victim has been bitten.
Treatment: Apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling. Seek medical attention.
Tarantula
Location: Tarantulas are found in tropical and desert regions. Also an interesting fact is that Rose haired Tarantulas have been found in Upstate NY. It is said that there is around 10,000 near Ballston Lake.
Appearance: The fine hairs all over the body are designed to irritate the spiders prey. Each of the spiders legs have seven segments. Tarantulas have two or three retractable claws at the end of each leg.
Bites: Although most bites are not life threatening to humans, there have been cases with some tarantula species that have given a very painful bite. The bites can cause a deep puncture wound that can become infected.
Treatment: Encourage bleeding of the wound, then clean out with soap and water. Breathing difficulties or chest may occur, in this situation go to the emergency room.
