The Brazilian wandering spider, also known as the banana spider or armed spider, is one of the most venomous spiders on the planet. While its venom is extremely potent, it isn’t as deadly as its five comparable species. Among these, the Australian funnel-web spider and the sand spider are also incredibly venomous. Despite its name, you won’t find this deadly spider eating bananas.
Contents
Bananas
You may have heard that Brazil’s wandering spiders eat bananas, but a more common sighting is a tarantula in a banana. This large, brownish spider is not dangerous to humans, but is often mistaken for the deadly black tarantula. The spider’s egg sacs are often found inside bananas. While it’s rare for these spiders to actually bite people, they are still an annoyance.
Although the size of the Brazilian wandering spider isn’t very large, it does grow quite large and can be dangerous. Many years ago, these large spiders were transported to Europe in bananas. Today, bananas are consumed in Brazil almost exclusively. Because of this, large spiders are unlikely to be imported out of the country in banana shipments. If you happen to find a Brazilian wandering spider in a banana, you should be able to identify it fairly easily.
Insects
Unlike most species of spiders, Brazilian wandering spiders do not spin webs; instead, they swoop down on their prey. Their diets vary from large insects to small lizards. Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies and newborn crickets. They only use spinnerets during egg sac production. When threatened, males must retreat rapidly. The wet bite from a wandering spider is deadly, and a wet one can kill a human in just two hours.
The nine species of Brazilian wandering spiders live in Brazil, with some species also found in Central and South America. These spiders are sometimes mistaken for harmless banana spiders when shipped to North America. In fact, this species is considered one of the most dangerous spiders. Despite the size, they are extremely poisonous and should not be handled lightly. Their bite can be deadly if not treated immediately. Phoneutria fera is one of the most dangerous Brazilian wandering spider species, as it has a venom potency sufficient to kill five people.
Other spiders
The Brazilian wandering spider is a dangerous, poisonous species. While it is rare to find one in the UK, it is common in South American rainforests. At night, it migrates across the jungle floor, preying on other spiders and other animals. Despite the deadly bite, the Brazilian wandering spider is not the deadliest or venomous spider. Here are some facts about them.
The genus Phoneutria is made up of several species, mostly found in tropical South and Central America. Members of this genus are commonly referred to as “banana spiders,” “armed spiders,” and “brazilian wandering spiders.” These spiders have distinct threat displays, which include clutching the ground as if to fight. If you are bitten by a Brazilian wandering spider, get medical attention right away. Fortunately, most cases can be treated fairly quickly, without severe complications.
Mice
Brazilian wandering spiders are known for their aggressive behavior and toxic bite. They attack only when provoked, and the bite is accompanied by goosebumps, sweating, and chills. A Brazilian wandering spider bite can cause severe pain, goose bumps, or even shock. In severe cases, the spider may even inflict convulsions. If you happen to accidentally injure a wandering spider, seek medical attention right away.
Venom from this spider has high potency and is effective against many vertebrate species. Scientists are investigating its venom, which contains the compound PnTx2-6. This compound blocks calcium entry and messes with brain function. Ultimately, it wrecks havoc on its prey. The venom of Brazilian wandering spiders kills mice in one bite. This arachnid is the “Deadliest Spider in the World.”
Small amphibians
The Brazilian wandering spider is an arachnid in the genus Phoneutria. The name “phoneutria” comes from the Greek word for murderress. This spider is considered to be one of the most venomous spiders on the planet. Their bite is extremely painful and can cause heavy sweating, drooling, skin swelling, redness, and heat. The spider is often called a “murderess” due to the fact that it can induce local piloerection.
There are several species of Brazilian wandering spiders, but two species are the most commonly reported worldwide. The spiders sometimes wander into cities and towns as well as fruit shipments. If you find one of these spiders in your home, seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent serious injury. Among its diet are insects, other spiders, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. However, they are not poisonous to humans.
