World wide, there are numerous species of venomous spider, ranging from those using venom to kill prey to those who can make humans very ill. Most commonly mentioned venomous spiders include the Black Widow Spider, the Brazilian Wandering Spider, the Brown Recluse Spider, the Funnel Web Spider, and the Hobo Spider
Black Widow Spiders
One of the most well known, feared, and loved spider species. This species is easily recognized by the female's shiny bright body, heavily contrasted against the red hourglass on the abdomen. They appear throughout the American Southwest, though they can appear almost anywhere in the United States. Mortality rates at less than 1% of bite victims are associated with the Black Widow, as they inject a very small amount of poison through bites.
One of the most well known, feared, and loved spider species. This species is easily recognized by the female's shiny bright body, heavily contrasted against the red hourglass on the abdomen. They appear throughout the American Southwest, though they can appear almost anywhere in the United States. Mortality rates at less than 1% of bite victims are associated with the Black Widow, as they inject a very small amount of poison through bites.
Brazilian Wandering Spider
This spider was named by the Guiness Book of World Records as the most venomous animal in 2007. The spider is aggressive and highly venomous.
Fun Fact: One component of the venom of this spider, Tx2-6, causes painful erections, which can last upwards of an hour, in male bite victims. Tx2-6 is currently being researched as a possible treatment for erectile dysfunction.
This spider was named by the Guiness Book of World Records as the most venomous animal in 2007. The spider is aggressive and highly venomous.
Fun Fact: One component of the venom of this spider, Tx2-6, causes painful erections, which can last upwards of an hour, in male bite victims. Tx2-6 is currently being researched as a possible treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Brown Recluse Spider
Arguably one of the most feared spiders in the world, this and ten other species of the family Loxosceles are native to the U.S. Brown Recluse Spiders are typically found in central mid-western states, continuing southward to the Gulf of Mexico. While bites can cause necrosis (death of tissue cells at and around the site), the vast majority of bites cause a red mark that heals without event, leaving little to no scarring.
Arguably one of the most feared spiders in the world, this and ten other species of the family Loxosceles are native to the U.S. Brown Recluse Spiders are typically found in central mid-western states, continuing southward to the Gulf of Mexico. While bites can cause necrosis (death of tissue cells at and around the site), the vast majority of bites cause a red mark that heals without event, leaving little to no scarring.
Funnel Web Spider
This extremely aggressive spider boasts large fangs and a dark glossy body. Native to Australia, they dig tunnels or make homes in trees, where they create "trap doors" fit with trip lines. Funnel Web Spiders inject a large amount of venom when biting, and due to their aggressive nature, often bite multiple times. Since the development of an anti venom in 1980, there have been no fatalities from Funnel Web bites, though there is a recorded case of a child being bitten who died less than 15 minutes later.
This extremely aggressive spider boasts large fangs and a dark glossy body. Native to Australia, they dig tunnels or make homes in trees, where they create "trap doors" fit with trip lines. Funnel Web Spiders inject a large amount of venom when biting, and due to their aggressive nature, often bite multiple times. Since the development of an anti venom in 1980, there have been no fatalities from Funnel Web bites, though there is a recorded case of a child being bitten who died less than 15 minutes later.
Hobo Spider
The bite of the Hobo Spider requires medical attention both in humans and pets, as it can result in a slow-healing lesion. These spiders are native to Europe, but were introduced in the 1930's to the U.S. They are currently common in the Pacific Northwest - Washington, Oregon, Utah, Montana, and Idaho. Their habitat range appears to be growing rapidly.
The bite of the Hobo Spider requires medical attention both in humans and pets, as it can result in a slow-healing lesion. These spiders are native to Europe, but were introduced in the 1930's to the U.S. They are currently common in the Pacific Northwest - Washington, Oregon, Utah, Montana, and Idaho. Their habitat range appears to be growing rapidly.
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