brazilian wandering spider on bananas

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Brazilian Wandering Spider Facts

Brazilian wandering spider profile.

There are more than 50,000 species of spider, and the vast majority are less dangerous than a honeybee. Almost none are aggressive, and of those with medically significant venom, only a small percentage are capable of causing death. So, on the whole, arachnophobes are just being a bit silly.

But there’s one spider that vindicates all of these fears, and few animals are as globally renowned to be a serious threat to human lives as the Brazilian Wandering Spider .

Brazilian Wandering Spiders are actually 9 species of spider in the same genus ‘Phoneutria’, one of which is found in Central America, with the rest in South America.

Brazilian Wandering Spider Facts Overview

These spiders are called wandering spiders because of instead of spinning a web to wait for food, or occupying a lair, they spend their night wandering in the leaf litter of the jungle floor for prey.

The sensitive hairs on its body help detect vibrations of passing prey, and it will feed on insects, lizards, frogs and any animals as large as itself.

During the day they will hide under logs, rocks, or inside termite mounds and banana plants. They will also sometimes wander into urban areas and homes, where they can come into contact with humans.

Brazilian wandering spiders are aggressive , dangerous and frightening. For once, this is an animal you should be wary of.

The females are larger, around 50% heavier than males, and produce more venom, and this might be a clue as to why their Greek name translates to “ Mudress” . These spiders will often stand and fight and have an intimidating threat display.

The potency of their venom is one of the reasons they’re so dangerous, and their ability to hide away in fruit and shoes explains why most bites are on extremities.

Interesting Brazilian Wandering Spider Facts

1. armed spiders.

In Brazilian, these are sometimes known as armed spiders, on account of their elongated front legs.

They can convey quite a bit of information with these legs, and as wandering spiders, use them to get about the forest, looking for food.

2. Banana Spiders

They’re also sometimes called ‘banana spiders’ on account of their status as a stowaway on popular fruit imported from the tropics.

This is becoming less common as stricter regulations ensure there’s less contamination of fruits, but there’s always a chance your next bunch of bananas will have a family of these spiders living inside it.

3. They have the largest venom glands of any spider

Females produce more venom than males, but both sexes have enormous venom glands. These glands are even more impressive when you consider the size of the spider is significantly less than the largest around.

The venom glands of the Brazilian Wandering Spider are over a centimetre long, and this is all housed inside the bright red chelicerae (mouth parts) which they are quick to display whenever they get upset. 1

4. They’re aggressive

These spiders can grow quite large and have long, brightly-coloured legs. Unlike most spiders, they’re known to stand their ground when threatened and are far quicker to bite than many other species.

They’ll still try to scurry away where possible, and they’re not out to get anybody.

But where most other species will flee, the wandering spiders’ aggression does make it more likely to be involved in incidents.

Most bites are on fingers and toes, a sign that they’re being stepped on or grabbed inadvertently. When the spider feels cornered, it’ll rear up on its back legs and waves its colourful arms around as a warning.

Then it’ll sway side to side, beckoning you to have a go. Anything foolhardy enough to call this bluff gets a wealth of envenomation effects. 2 3

5. They give some men erections

There are ways to accomplish this with fewer side effects, but a bit from a Brazilian wandering spider does come with a certain Viagral quality.

This isn’t as fun as it might sound. Prolonged erections in this manner are likely to harm and destroy muscles and blood vessels in the penis and could cause irreparable damage.

Besides this, the assault on the central nervous system that comes with envenomation by this spider doesn’t sound worth it. 4

6. And some people die

This assault brings with it a whole host of unpleasant symptoms. Seizures, foaming at the mouth, inability to speak, collapse, and a host of other miserable experiences.

Paralysis is possible, as is cardiac shock. Blood vessels can burst in the brain, or anywhere else, and in many cases, this can be enough to kill a person.

This spider has one of the most potent venoms of all, and there are multiple legitimate records of death as a result of bites.

7. But they’re rarely fatal

While the Brazilian wandering spider is potentially one of the most dangerous spiders in the world, there is some evidence to suggest it gives a dry bite, defensively.

This means that despite exceptionally toxic venom, the amount actually injected is less than some of the other contenders, and this is what makes it typically less lethal than the Australian funnel webs.

These spiders are classified as Dangerous Wild Animals and would therefore require a special permit to keep. Bites from wandering spiders are common in South America, but antivenom is often readily available, and they rarely result in death.

In most cases, lethal bites are cases of a very young or very old victim, and few people of healthy age are killed. 5

8. They do invade the UK sometimes

These unquestionably scary spiders show up in supermarkets in the UK on occasion, having hitched a ride on banana shipments.

On more than one occasion they’ve made their way into shoppers’ homes, but it doesn’t appear that there are any cases of them biting people as a result.

These spiders aren’t suited for temperate climates and don’t survive Winter, so there’s no risk of them multiplying.

Brazilian Wandering Spider Fact-File Summary

Scientific classification, fact sources & references.

• PeerJ. (2017), “ Dimensions of venom gland of largest venom glands in all spiders ”, Bio Numbers.
• Dave Clarke (2010), “ Venomous spider found in Waitrose shopping ‘beautiful but aggressive’” , The Guardian.
• “ Phoneutria Perty (Arachnida: Araneae: Ctenidae) ”, UF-IFAS University of Florida
• Kátia R.M. Leite (2012), “ Phoneutria nigriventer spider toxin Tx2-6 causes priapism and death: A histopathological investigation in mice ”, Science Direct.
• “ Brazilian wandering spiders: Bites & other facts ”, Live Science.

Brazilian wandering spiders: Bites & other facts

The spider's name means "murderess" in Greek, which is appropriate for the deadly arachnid.

Classification/taxonomy

Size & characteristics, bites and venom, additional resources.

The Brazilian wandering spider, also called armed spiders or banana spiders, belongs to the genus Phoneutria , which means "murderess" in Greek. And it's no wonder why — it's one of the most venomous spiders on Earth . Its bite, which delivers neurotoxic venom, can be deadly to humans, especially children, although antivenom makes death unlikely.

Guinness World Records has previously named the Brazilian wandering spider the world's most venomous spider multiple times (though the current record-holder is the Sydney funnel-web spider, Atrax robustus , according to Guinness ). But, as the late Jo-Anne Sewlal, who was an arachnologist at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago, told Live Science, "classifying an animal as deadly is controversial," as the amount of damage depends on the amount of venom injected. 

Jo-Anne Sewlal was a noted arachnologist from Trinidad and Tobago. While completing her PhD, she received the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) 2012 Award for Excellence in Science and Technology for Junior Scientist. In 2013, She received a doctorate in zoology from the University of the West Indies. She discovered several species of spiders in her home country, surveyed the arachnids across several countries the Caribbean and appeared as an expert on the topic on The Science Channel. She died of an allergic reaction in January 2020.

There are nine species of Brazilian wandering spider, all of which are nocturnal and can be found in Brazil. Some species also can be found throughout Central and South America, from Costa Rica to Argentina, according to a 2008 article in the journal American Entomologist . Study author Richard S. Vetter, a research associate in the department of entomology at the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, wrote that specimens of these powerful arachnids have been mistakenly exported to North America and Europe in banana shipments. However, Vetter noted, in many cases of cargo infestation, the spider in question is a harmless banana spider (genus Cupiennius ) that is misidentified as a Phoneutria . The two types of spiders look similar.

The taxonomy of Brazilian wandering spiders, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) , is:

Kingdom : Animalia Subkingdom : Bilateria Infrakingdom : Protostomia Superphylum : Ecdysozoa Phylum : Arthropoda Subphylum : Chelicerata Class : Arachnida Order : Araneae Family : Ctenidae Genus : Phoneutria  

• Phoneutria bahiensis
• Phoneutria boliviensis
• Phoneutria eickstedtae
• Phoneutria fera
• Phoneutria keyserlingi
• Phoneutria nigriventer
• Phoneutria pertyi
• Phoneutria reidyi
• Phoneutria depilata , according to a 2021 study published in the journal ZooKeys , which found that Phoneutria boliviensis actually included two separate species from different habitats. 

Brazilian wandering spiders are large, with bodies reaching up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) and a leg span of up to 7 inches (18 cm), according to the Natural History Museum in Karlsruhe, Germany. The species vary in color, though all are hairy and mostly brown and gray, although some species have lightly colored spots on their abdomen. Many species have bands of black and yellow or white on the underside of the two front legs, according to the University of Florida . 

These arachnids "are called wandering spiders because they do not build webs but wander on the forest floor at night, actively hunting prey," Sewlal told Live Science in an interview conducted in 2014, before her death. They kill by both ambush and direct attack.

They spend most of their day hiding under logs or in crevices, and come out to hunt at night. They eat insects, other spiders and sometimes, small amphibians, reptiles and mice. 

Research into one species of Brazilian wandering spider, Phoneutria boliviensis , revealed that these spiders eat a mix of arthropods and reptiles. DNA metabarcoding, a technique that examines the DNA and RNA in a sample, of the guts of 57 spiders identified 96 prey species, including flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, locusts and crickets, according to research from the University of Tolima and the University of Ibagué in Colombia . Some of the female spiders also ate lizards and snakes.

While their bites are powerful and painful, "their bites are a means of self-defense and only done if they are provoked intentionally or by accident," Sewlal said.

In the Brazilian wandering spider, just as in most spider species, the female is larger than the male. Males approach females cautiously when attempting to mate, according to the biology department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse . Males perform a dance to get females' attention, and males often fight each other over the female. The female can be picky, and she often turns down many males before choosing a mating partner. Once she does pick one, the male needs to watch out; females often attack the males once copulation is finished.

The female then can store the sperm in a separate chamber from the eggs until she is ready to fertilize them. She will lay up to 1,000 eggs at a time, which are kept safe in a spun-silk egg sac.

Brazilian wandering spiders typically live for one or two years.

Brazilian wandering spiders' venom is a complex cocktail of toxins, proteins and peptides, according to the Natural History Museum in Karlsruhe, Germany. The venom affects ion channels and chemical receptors in victims' neuromuscular systems.

After a human is bitten by one of these spiders, he or she may experience initial symptoms such as severe burning pain at the site of the bite, sweating and goosebumps, Sewlal said. Within 30 minutes, symptoms become systemic and include high or low blood pressure , fast or a slow heart rate , nausea, abdominal cramping, hypothermia, vertigo, blurred vision, convulsions and excessive sweating associated with shock. People who are bitten by a Brazilian wandering spider should seek medical attention immediately.

Their  venom is perhaps most famous for triggering painful and long-lasting erections . For that reason, in a 2023 study, scientists reported that they were testing the venom in humans as a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction in those for whom Viagra didn't work.

However, these bites are rare, and envenomations, or exposure to these toxins from a spider bite, are usually mild, Vetter said. For instance, a 2000 study in the journal Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo found that only 2.3% of people with bites who came to a Brazilian hospital over a 13-year period were treated with antivenom. (The other bites did not contain enough venom to require it.) Most of the bites were from the species P. nigriventer and P. keyserlingi in eastern coastal Brazil. About 4,000 bites reportedly happen each year in Brazil, but only 0.5% of those cases are severe, according to a 2018 study in the journal Clinical Toxinology in Australia, Europe, and Americas . Meanwhile, 15 deaths have been attributed to Phoneutria in Brazil since 1903, the 2018 study reported. 

"It is unlikely that the spider would inject all of its venom into you, as this venom is not only needed as a means of defense but to immobilize prey," Sewlal said. "So if it did inject all of its venom, it [would] have to wait until its body manufactured more before it could hunt." That would also leave the spider vulnerable to being attacked by predators.

Furthermore, Sewlal pointed out that venom production requires a lot of a spider's resources and time. "So if the spider were to attack frequently and use up all of its venom, it [would] be safe to assume that it has a ready food supply to replace the energy and resources used. This situation does not exist in the wild."

• Learn more about Brazilian wandering spiders from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse .
• Read about several species of Brazilian wandering spiders, including several images of the arachnids at the University of Florida .
• Find a spider in your bananas? It may or may not be a deadly species, according to the University of California, Riverside .

This article was originally published on Nov. 20, 2014. 

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Jessie Szalay is a contributing writer to FSR Magazine. Prior to writing for Live Science, she was an editor at Living Social. She holds an MFA in nonfiction writing from George Mason University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Kenyon College. 

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Brazilian Wandering Spider

The Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria fera) is an aggressive and highly venomous spider . It was first discovered in Brazil hence its name. However, this genus is known to exist elsewhere in South and Central America .

The Brazilian Wandering spider is a member of the Ctenidae family of wandering spiders.

The Brazilian Wandering spider appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records 2007 for being the most venomous animal .

In this particular genus, there are five known similar species whose members are also highly venomous. They include some of the relatively few species of spiders that present a threat to human beings.

Brazilian Wandering Spider Characteristics

The Brazilian wandering spider can grow to have a leg span of up to 4 – 5 inches. They are large hairy spindly-looking spiders who have eight eyes, two of which are large. Brazilian wandering spiders are fast-moving spiders, their legs are strong and spiny and they have distinctive red jaws which they display when angered.

The Brazilian wandering spider is not a Tarantula . Brazilian wandering spiders are not even in the same family group. Tarantulas are harmless to humans and are mostly ambush killers who wait for prey to come to them. Brazilian wandering spiders are active hunters. Brazilian wandering spiders and Tarantulas do have one thing in common, however, they do not eat bananas.

Brazilian Wandering Spider Habitat and Spider Webs

The Brazilian Wandering spider is so-called because it wanders the jungle floor, rather than residing in a lair or maintaining a web. This is another reason it is considered so dangerous. In densely populated areas, the Brazilian Wandering spider will usually search for cover and dark places to hide during daytime, leading it to hide within houses, clothes, cars, boots, boxes and log piles. This usually causes accidents when people disturb them.

The Brazilian Wandering spider is also called the ‘banana spider’ as it is occasionally found within shipments of bananas. As a result, any large spider appearing in a bunch of bananas should be treated with due care.

Brazilian Wandering Spider Diet

Adult Brazilian Wandering spiders eat crickets, other large insects, small lizards and mice. Spiderlings of this species eat flightless fruit flies and pinhead crickets.

Brazilian Wandering Spider Reproduction

All spiders produce silk, a thin, strong protein strand extruded by the spider from spinnerets most commonly found on the end of the abdomen. Many species use it to trap insects in webs, although there are many species that hunt freely such as the Brazilian Wandering spider. Silk can be used to aid in climbing, form smooth walls for burrows, build egg sacs, wrap prey and temporarily hold sperm, among other applications.

Brazilian Wandering spiders reproduce by means of eggs, which are packed into silk bundles called egg sacs. The male spider must (in most cases) make a timely departure after mating to escape before the females normal predatory instincts return.

Mature male spiders have swollen bulbs on the end of their palps for this purpose and this is a useful way to identify whether the spider is male or female. Once the sperm is inside the female spider, she stores it in a chamber and only uses it during the egg-laying process, when the eggs come into contact with the male sperm for the first time and are fertilized. The Brazilian Wandering spiders life cycle is 1 – 2 years.

Brazilian Wandering Spider Venom

Bites from the Brazilian Wandering spider may result in only a couple of painful pinpricks to full-blown envenomed. In either case, people bitten by this spider or any Ctenid should seek immediate emergency treatment as the venom is possibly life threatening.

The Phoneutria fera and Phoneutria nigriventer (two species of wandering spider) are the two most commonly implicated as the most vicious and deadly of the Phoneutria spiders.

The Phoneutria not only has a potent neurotoxin, but is reported to have one of the most excruciatingly painful envenoms of all spiders due to its high concentration of serotonin. They have the most active venom of any living spiders.

One of their members, the Brazilian Huntsman, is thought to be the most venomous spider in the world. Brazilian wandering spiders are certainly dangerous and bite more people than any other spiders.

Check out more  animals that begin with the letter B

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About joanne spencer.

I've always been passionate about animals which led me to a career in training and behaviour. As an animal professional I'm committed to improving relationships between people and animals to bring them more happiness.

March 24, 2009

Do dangerous spiders lurk in grocery store produce?

A potentially lethal spider was recently found in a bunch of bananas at a supermarket. What should consumers should do if confronted with one of the leggy critters?

By Erica Westly

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Last week, a store manager at a Whole Foods in Tulsa, Okla., was surprised—to say the least—to find a large brown spider lurking in a bunch of bananas . The spider was initially identified as a Brazilian wandering spider ,  a menacing-looking creature with furry fangs and legs as long as five inches (12.5 centimeters) that is considered to be one of the world's most venomous spiders, and one of the few that can kill humans. (Luckily, an anti-venom to the Brazilian’s bite was developed in 1996.) According to the Tulsa World , two local entomologists in the end determined that the invader was more likely a huntsman spider , which is large and brownish in color like the Brazilian wandering, but is nontoxic to humans. Each year, there are several news reports of wandering and huntsman spiders, the main "banana spiders," showing up in grocery store bananas as well as poisonous black widows , which find their way into bunches of grapes on store shelves. Both fruits are generally sprayed with pesticides to prevent insect infestation and usually washed before shipment. Still, even with these precautions and visual inspections, some insects manage to survive. What draws spiders to bananas and grapes—and what should consumers and produce workers who find the potentially deadly critters in their fruit do? To find out, we spoke with Linda Rayor , a spider expert and senior research associate  in Cornell University's entomology department. [ An edited transcript of the interview follows. ] How common is it to find a spider in grocery store fruit—and are spiders more common in grapes and bananas from certain regions? For the bananas, you have a reasonable chance of getting them in ones imported from anywhere in Central or South America, the main sources of the fruit. I have no idea of the actual risk, but there are different types of wandering and huntsman spiders throughout Latin America. You pretty much have a chance of getting black widows—which are found all over the world—in grapes anywhere they grow. Is there something else about grapes that black widows find especially appealing? Spiders are going to be found anywhere that there are insects for them to eat—and there are plenty of insects on grapes. They're very common in vineyards around the world. Grape arbors (the supports between grapevines) provide really great support systems for spider webs—they're perfect for cobweb-building spiders like the black widow—and the grapes make great hiding places. (Black widow bites can be toxic to humans, but they’re not nearly as dangerous as those from the most poisonous wandering spiders. They can cause intense pain and shortness of breath, but are rarely lethal in healthy adults.) How about bananas? Banana trees have these tightly coiled leaves coming up, and then the banana flowers lean down over that. Well, these banana leaves turn out to be just dandy places for these spiders to live, especially ones that hang out on the leaves. The leaves have this kind of hollow center, so a lot of the spiders hang out in the central, deep-covered hole during the day and then come out at night to hunt on the outside of the leaf. Neither one of them are web-building spiders, and so they just kind of hang out on the leaves at night and nab things that wander or fly by. There are two common groups that are both referred to as "banana spiders," but they're totally different from one another. The first group is the wandering spiders, which is the family Ctenidae, or ctenids. The other is an entirely different family, the Sparassidae, which are the huntsman spiders. They're both big spiders that have relatively long legs. They can both easily be the size of the palm of your hand, no problem. Is there an easy way to tell the two types of banana spiders apart? In one description of the spider in Tulsa, the store manager said it jumped at him. That is so much more like wandering than the huntsman spiders. Huntsmans back off and then run away sideways really fast. They're fast, but they're not aggressive. Huntsmans are big enough [for their bites] to break the skin. I've probably been bitten by huntsmans—I work with Australian huntsman spiders—I don't know, five times? It hurts because it breaks the skin, but their venom is really nothing much, and they're not really inclined to bite at all. When a wandering spider is threatened, though, it tends to rear up so its front legs go up in the air in a pretty feisty way, often with its fangs open. It's really scary. So, you've got very, very different behaviors. The huntsman spiders are also different in appearance. Most spiders stand up on all eight legs, but the huntsman spider's legs are rotated so that they're horizontal to the body. This allows them to get really flat to the ground and to move sideways really effectively. In fact, in the U.S. they're sometimes called "giant crab spiders," because they can scuttle around like crabs. The wandering spiders have normal legs that aren't rotated like the huntsman spiders' legs, so they're clearly standing upright, and the underside of the wanderings' front legs, at least in some of their species, is often brightly colored in reds or yellows. It's a warning coloration. What should consumers do if they encounter one of these spiders in their fruit? It's like anything: you have to pay attention to what you're doing and make sure you rinse off your fruit. The wandering and huntsman spiders are both pretty big, so you wouldn't miss them. Black widows are much easier to miss, because they're about the size of a grape. Black widows are really fast in webs, but they're pretty inadequate on the ground. They really can't run on the ground at all. Their abdomens are just too big, so they kind of waddle around. So a black widow is more inclined to simply drop off the web or off a grape into, say, your sink. And then, once on the ground, it's not going anywhere fast. Wandering spiders and huntsman spiders are really fast, and they do just fine on the ground. Now, I'm personally not all that big on squishing these guys. I think it's a whole lot more interesting to get them in a jar and get them identified. Spiders don’t naturally attack humans, so the risk of getting bitten is very low. Basically, people shouldn’t worry too much. Black widows, for example, are really shy. They only bite when they perceive a threat, such as a hand trying to grab them. You should try to get the offending spider to drop on the ground and quickly scoop it up into a large container (just as you would with any other spider). If a black widow does bite you, wait 15 minutes to see if she (only the females are toxic enough to harm humans) has actually injected venom in you--it starts to really hurt.  That is the advice given by Poison Control in Arizona.  Then go to an emergency room where they can provide antivenom or palliative treatment. Evidently, when a Brazilian wandering spider bites, it hurts immediately, so you go to the doctor or emergency room with the spider if possible,  It’s always best for people to bring the spider with them, so the hospital can provide the correct treatment. (For more tips see the CDC’s guide on venomous spiders .) Could stores or shippers do more to keep spiders out of our bananas and grapes? I'm not sure what more could be done. A lot of the insects on these fruits are being doused with chemicals or washed before shipping. For example, before bananas are shipped, they are taken off the plant, put in a water trough to wash them off and then they're packed in large shipping containers, which are kept quite cool. Grapes are shipped at cooler temperatures, too. What will happen is that the spiders at those lower temperatures become quiescent. Some may be dying, but a lot of animals can take cold temperatures for awhile. Both bananas and grapes are sold at the grocery not chilled. So, basically, what you've got is spiders that have been cooled pretty much until they've reached the grocery that are waking up. How dangerous are most spiders? What's important to keep in mind is that truly a small portion of spiders are dangerous to humans. Basically, most spiders can't do a whole lot. They can't break the skin or their venom doesn't react with human physiology. It's estimated that 50 percent of all spider bites don't even inject venom, and they are unlikely to go after humans. Still, you wouldn't want to be bitten by a wandering spider, Brazilian or otherwise. There are wandering spiders all over Latin America, where most bananas come from, the Brazilian wandering spider, or Phoneutria nigriventer , is only found on the Atlantic coast of Brazil, not in Honduras, where the bananas at the Tulsa store came from. The chances of encountering one are really very slim.

Brazilian Wandering Spider: Care, Food, Habitat & Preventions

Mike Wallace

Have you ever heard of or do you know what a  Brazilian wandering spider is ? It is a big venomous spider from places like Central and South America, and people sometimes call it the  banana spider . Why? Well, we are about to find out!

Table of Contents

These wandering spiders are aggressive hunters who go out on the hunt at night. Their meals include both invertebrates (like insects) and vertebrates (creatures with a backbone, like small animals).

These spiders are super dangerous because their venom is like a powerful potion that can make people really sick or even worse. They usually hang out in tropical rainforests and even in cities, hiding in banana plants. 

So, let’s get more information about the world of this sneaky spider to learn the details about its looks, eating habits, where it lives, the venom it carries, and find out if it is genuinely risky. Ready to explore? Keep reading!

Brazilian Wandering Spider Description:

Scientific name and family:.

In Brazil, they are sometimes known as “ armed spiders ” (armadeiras), and they share the name “ banana spiders ” with a few other spiders. They have different names, but they are all talking about the same interesting spider!

The Brazilian wandering spider, scientifically known as  Phoneutria , Maximilian Perty kickstarted the Phoneutria genus in 1833. The name comes from the Greek word φονεύτρια , which means “murderess” and falls under the Animalia kingdom, Arthropoda phylum, and Arachnida class.

Within Arachnida, it is classified in the order Araneae, infraorder Araneomorphae, and Ctenidae family. The genus Phoneutria, described by Perty in 1833, includes the type species  Phoneutria fera .

This classification helps us understand where these spiders fit into the larger picture of living organisms.

The following 9 species are accepted by The  World Spider Catalog :

• Phoneutria bahiensis
• Phoneutria boliviensis
• Phoneutria eickstedtae
• Phoneutria fera
• Phoneutria keyserlingi
• Phoneutria nigriventer
• Phoneutria pertyi
• Phoneutria reidyi
• Phoneutria depilata

What do Brazilian Wandering Spider look like?

Size range:.

The spiders in the Phoneutria group can get pretty big in size. Their legs can stretch out to be 13 to 18 centimeters (5 to 7 inches) wide, and their bodies can have a range between 17 to 48 millimeters (a little more than half an inch to almost 2 inches) long.

The female Brazilian spiders can get pretty big, reaching up to 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) in length. On the other hand, the males are smaller, usually measuring around 7 centimeters (2.8 inches). They usually weigh up to 0.21 ounces.

They have long, slender legs, and even though some other spiders with different names might have longer legs, the Phoneutria spiders are champions when it comes to having the longest bodies and being the heaviest in their spider gang.

The spider’s body has two main parts. The first is the prosoma, kind of like its “head,” where you will find all eight legs, eyes, fangs (chelicera), and little multitasking arms (pedipalps).

The second part is the opisthosoma, holding the spinnerets for making silk, the back end opening (anal opening), “the lungs,” the heart, and the important bits for making baby spiders (reproductive organs).

So, the prosoma is like the front control center, and the opisthosoma is like the back office, handling things like silk-making and baby-making.

Brazilian spiders come in different colors, with most being hairy and shades of brown and gray. Some species may have lightly colored spots on their abdomen.

A distinctive feature of many species is the presence of bands of black and yellow or white on the underside of their two front legs.

Identification:

To identify a spider from the Phoneutria group, look for a dense brush of fine hairs on their leg parts. They might seem like other spiders, especially  Cupiennius , but here is how you can differentiate: 

• Phoneutria often have a dark line on the front of their palps and a thin black line on top of their head. 
• Check underneath, too; their legs usually have dark parts and light joints. Sometimes, the belly has black dots or is reddish. 
• Usually it has been observed that when they are upset, they do a cool defensive move like lifting their front legs high with a distinctive pattern. So, if you see a spider doing that dance, it is probably a Phoneutria!

Brazilian Wandering Spiders live all over the Americas, from Costa Rica to northern Argentina. They are like the residents of the jungle, chilling in forests east of the Andes in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and the Guianas.

Some, like P. reidyi, P. boliviensis, and P. fera, love the Amazon rainforest, while others prefer the Atlantic Forest in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil.

They have also made themselves at home in the Cerrado savanna. But if you head to northeastern Brazil, they are not around. These spiders have even taken trips to Chile and Uruguay.

Why are they called Banana Spiders?

These spiders are linked with bananas. Richard S. Vetter, a researcher at the University of California, found that these powerful spiders sometimes end up in North America and Europe by accident, hitching a ride in banana shipments.

But it is often a case of mistaken identity. Only a few Phoneutria species have been found in banana shipments, and sometimes, other spiders get the blame due to misidentification. 

What They Like to Eat or Hunt?

Their food includes flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets. Occasionally, they might even feast on small creatures like amphibians, reptiles, or mice. All these diet or food findings tell us about how diversified eating habits these fascinating spiders have.

Mating and Lifecycle:

Like most spiders, the female spiders are bigger than the males. When the male spider wants to be friends, they do a little dance (vibrating his pedipalps and specialized sensory appendages) to signal his intentions to impress the female, but it is a cautious approach.

The behavior of the female can be choosy, and she might say no to a few before picking the right one. 

After the dance, sometimes, the females decide to attack them, or if she is interested, she can store the male’s baby-making material in a special place until she is ready to use it.

Then, she lays a bunch of eggs, up to 1,000 at a time, and keeps them safe in a silk egg sac. Sadly, after laying her eggs, the mom spider says goodbye. It is her way of making sure the new spiders are ready to explore the world on their own.

The lifespan of the banana spider (Phoneutria nigriventer) differs for males and females. Females usually live for 6 to 8 weeks after reaching maturity, while males have a shorter lifespan of 2 to 3 weeks after their last molt. 

Certain mammals, like coatis (Procyonidae, which includes raccoons) and other small insectivores, birds are potential predators of large wandering spiders.

These spiders got their name as wandering spiders because of the fact that they are not into web building. Instead, they stroll around the forest floor at night(nocturnal), searching for dinner.

Brazilian Wandering Spiders are active hunters and use both ambush tactics and direct attacks to catch their prey. During the day, they prefer cozy spots like under logs or in crevices, only emerging at night for their hunting adventures. These spiders do not build nests like other spider species.

While wandering spiders are not naturally aggressive towards humans, they won’t hesitate to bite if they feel cornered or threatened. Most bites happen when a spider accidentally gets trapped in clothing or bedding. 

Bite and Venom:

The bite of the armed spider is the most dangerous in the world as the venom it carries can be harmful to humans.

The danger is not just about how strong the venom is; it is also about factors like the spider’s likelihood to bite and how close it is to where people live.

These spiders often hide in houses, clothes, and other dark places during the day, making accidental bites more likely. 

While their fangs are adapted for small prey, some experts think they might give a “dry” bite in defense to save venom. Studies suggest that not all bites inject venom, and serious cases requiring antivenom are rare.

However, there have been confirmed cases of death, with symptoms appearing quickly, including:

• Severe pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• In severe cases, paralysis and death

The severity can depend on the spider’s sex, with females generally more dangerous. The spiders produce less venom in colder months, and a small amount can be potent enough to harm.

Fortunately, bites from Brazilian spiders are rare, and when they do occur, the exposure to the toxins is generally mild, as explained by Vetter.

Also Read: What is a Huntsman Spider? (Heteropodidae) – The Ultimate Guide

Banana Spider’s Facts:

Below are essential details about Brazilian wandering spiders:

• They hold the title for the world’s largest spiders , boasting leg spans reaching up to 15 centimeters (6 inches).
• Their venom packs a powerful punch, capable of inducing severe pain, paralysis, and, in extreme cases, fatal outcomes for humans.
• Despite their intimidating reputation, they are generally non-aggressive and resort to biting only when provoked.
• These spiders inhabit tropical rainforests and urban areas across Central and South America.
• In case someone has been bitten by this spider, he/she needs quick medical treatment to control the effects timely.

Treatment and Preventive Measures:

If bitten by a wandering spider or armed spiders, prompt medical attention is crucial. There is an antivenom for the spider’s venom, but its effectiveness is highest when administered within a few hours of the bite.

To prevent a bite:

• Wear protective clothing, use shoes and long pants when in areas where these spiders are found.
• Before wearing your clothes and shoes, make sure to check them to ensure no spiders are hiding.
• Maintain cleanliness and avoid leaving food or garbage exposed, as this can attract spiders.

These preventive measures are essential for minimizing the risk of encountering and getting bitten by Banana spiders.

Can Brazilian spiders kill humans?

Brazilian wandering spiders (Phoneutria nigriventer) are venomous and can potentially kill a human with a single bite. Their venom contains a potent neurotoxin that can cause severe pain, paralysis, and even death. 

Are Brazilian spiders poisonous?

Yes the venom of this spider is poisonous, that can cause death. While Brazilian wandering spiders are potentially dangerous, actual bites are relatively rare.

By adopting preventive measures and promptly seeking medical attention if bitten, the risk of serious complications can be significantly reduced.

Can you keep Brazilian spiders as pets?

It is strongly advised against keeping wandering spiders as pets due to their venomous nature and the potential risk to human safety.

Managing these spiders in captivity demands specialized knowledge and handling procedures to minimize the risk of bites.

Final Thoughts:

The Brazilian wandering spider, banana spider, or armed spider is a large and venomous arachnid found in Central and South America. While their potent venom can be harmful to humans, encounters are rare.

These nocturnal hunters have adopted various habitats, from rainforests to urban areas, and are associated with banana shipments. Understanding their appearance, behavior, and habitat is crucial for minimizing risks.

Seeking immediate medical attention after a bite is essential, as antivenom is available but most effective when administered promptly. Despite their fearsome reputation, the Brazilian spider remains a captivating and potentially dangerous species.

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The red-faced banana spider, Cupiennius chiapanensis , from Central America is occasionally brought into North America on bananas and often misidentified as a toxic Brazilian spider.

Are Dangerous Spiders Hiding in Your Fruit?

Probably not, says a new study that shows most hitchhiking arachnids are harmless.

Fruit shipped from afar sometimes arrives with an unwelcome bonus: a large, scary-looking spider.

The arachnids, which hide among bunches of bananas and other fruit shipped from South America to the United States and the United Kingdom, can frighten the daylights out of unsuspecting humans.

Reactions can be extreme: Schools have closed . Homes have been evacuated ( again and again ). Grocery stores have pulled whole shipments of produce , as occurred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2013.

This is because people can be quick to assume the stowaways are Brazilian wandering spiders, dangerous South American arachnids with a reputation for being fast, aggressive, and highly toxic (the name of their genus, Phoneutria , means murderess in Greek). (See " 7 Bug and Spider Myths Squashed .")

Sometimes, that might be true. But often, the hitchhiking spiders are harmless—victims of a case of mistaken identity, says arachnologist Rick Vetter , now retired from the University of California, Riverside.

Suspecting that wandering spiders rarely go to North America in a fruit basket, Vetter set out in 2006 to determine which spiders are really bumming rides across the Equator.

He searched the scientific literature and asked a fruit importer to report any incidences of spiders turning up in shipments. Then he spent the next eight years identifying who the international stowaways actually were, results that will appear soon in the Journal of Medical Entomology .

In total, Vetter tallied 135 spider hitchhikers, only seven of which were Phoneutria.

National Geographic spoke with Vetter about the most common banana-riding spiders and why it's important to clear up these misconceptions.

Which spiders do you tend to see most commonly in fruit shipments coming to North America?

The main ones are the pantropical huntsman spiders ( Heteropoda venatoria )—big, leggy beasts, very attractive—they're the ones with the white moustache. They're found all over the world in tropical areas. Ecuador is where they're coming from in bananas a lot. And the red-faced banana spider ( Cupiennius chiapanensis ).

How frequently will you find a spider falling out of your bananas?

We really didn't get that many. The most I got was 15 spiders in a year. And this is from somebody who's bringing international cargo into North America. But I only got about half the spiders that people contacted the fruit importer about. (Also see " Ask Your Weird Animal Questions: What Happens If You Swallow a Spider? ")

The pantropical huntsman spider, Heteropoda venatoria, is found in many tropical regions and sometimes hitchhikes on food shipments.

What are the economic impacts of misidentifying spider species?

This has caused, and can cause, some severe economic situations. [Say] you've got $26,000 worth of bananas sitting on a ship because somebody has identified this thing as a deadly wandering spider. Or you have 20 truckloads of wicker furniture from Mexico that they are going to fumigate and then develop a personal-protection program for their employees.

So what my paper is doing is giving information to the entomologists and arachnologists so they can properly identify the spiders—and there's also information about how toxic these things are, and it should stop some of the insanity that goes on when people find a large spider in their fruits.

In terms of the spiders being found in fruit and the hyperbolic response to those discoveries, who do you think is most to blame for that? The people who are finding the spiders? The people who are misidentifying them?

It's a combination. Part of the problem is that these spiders are misidentified online. They'll have a picture that they say is a wandering spider, but it's a photo of the red-faced spider, which is harmless. ( See a video of the world's biggest spider .)

And then there's the psychology: If there are two ways you can go with something—something that's harmless, or something that's potentially dangerous—people always go down the dangerous route. Which may be a survival instinct. Maybe it's better to take something as dangerous, even if it's harmless, than to figure it's harmless when it's dangerous.

Why do you think people choose the thing that is scary versus the thing that is not?

It's much more exciting to say, "I found a deadly, toxic spider!" than to say, "I found something that's harmless."

I was giving a talk and said to the audience, "If you get a bacterial infection, do you tell anyone about it? No. But if you think you have a brown recluse bite , you tell everybody! You put it in your Christmas letter." (See " Why Did Thousands of Venomous Spiders Swarm a House? ")

After the talk, I was in the lobby, and a guy comes up and he says, "We thought my wife was bitten by a brown recluse ... and you're right, we did put it in our Christmas letter."

Follow Nadia Drake on Twitter .

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Spider Research

Department of Entomology

Deadly Banana Spiders !!!!!!!!!  Or not

Updated 3 aug 2015.

Every once in a while in North America, a large spider (or a spider egg sac) is found in international cargo, most commonly in bananas.  The spider is collected and taken to a local “authority” who typically has no arachnological experience. A quick search of the Internet leads the “authority” to identify the spider as a deadly armed or wandering spider of Brazil (genus  Phoneutria ) and then, panic and hyperbolic media coverage ensues.  However, most of the time, these incidents are misidentifications of harmless spiders.  This is due in part to the dynamic nature of being associated with a potential dangerous animal.  People like to jump to the exciting conclusion that they are dealing with a “deadly” creature.  Another contributor to the hyperbole is that a quick identification is understandably forced by a desire to know if the spider is indeed dangerous so that cargo crews will not suffer envenomations and cargo can then be unloaded before it decays (in the case of fruit).  People then err on the side of the fantastic rather than caution. 

Information regarding spiders collected from bananas can be found in the two articles below, which can be obtained from me in PDF form with an email request.   [email protected]

Vetter, R.S. and S. Hillebrecht.  2008. On distinguishing two often-misidentified genera ( Cupiennius ,  Phoneutria ) (Araneae: Ctenidae) of large spiders found in Central and South American cargo shipments. American Entomologist 54: 82-87.

Vetter, R. S., R. L. Crawford and D. J. Buckle. 2014. Spiders (Araneae) found in bananas and other international cargo submitted to North American arachnologists for identification. Journal of Medical Entomology 51: 1136-1143.

Information on spider egg sacs found on bananas is also presented below but read through the information on the spiders first

Armed spiders (Genus  Phoneutria )

Spiders of the genus  Phoneutria  cause the greatest concern. Typically, harmless spiders are misidentified as  Phoneutria  spiders when intercepted in cargo.  The reason for this misidentification is the well-known fact that some species of  Phoneutria  have red hairs on their chelicerae (the two structures below the eyes on the “face” which have fangs at the end). Unfortunately, these are not the only large spiders found in bananas that have these red hairs. Because almost no one in North America has the proper identification publications for South American spiders, they turn to either the Internet (where the spiders are often already misidentified) or the Golden Guide to Spiders, a very rudimentary identification guide. 

The dangers associated with these spiders for North Americans are very much overexaggerated.  First, the most cited dangerous species is  Phoneutria fera .  This is actually an Amazonian species, (i.e., it lives in the Brazilian Amazon) far from areas of human commerce and the Brazilian banana plantations and, therefore, they don’t have the opportunity to be transported in cargo, or at least are highly unlikely to be so moved.  In Germany from decades ago, specimens listed as imported  P. fera  were most likely misidentified specimens of other  Phoneutria  species.  (One must also keep in mind that  Phoneutria  taxonomy has been a nightmare for the last century with new species being named and other names being absorbed by other existing species, back and forth almost like an Abbott and Costello comedy routine.  It is really difficult sometimes to pin down a name because for some spider groups, the taxonomy is not yet settled).  The spiders intercepted in Germany were most likely specimens of  P. nigriventer  and  P. keyserlingi , which are only found on the Atlantic coast of Brazil and are mostly involved in Brazilian envenomations.  All three of these spiders can get up to 50 mm in body length.  However, they still are not nearly as deadly as people claim.  In one study of 422  Phoneutria  bites in coastal Brazil, only 2.3% of the victims required antivenom and the only death was one small child. Although there is an obvious major concern when children are bitten, most bite victims experienced minor problems without long-lasting effects and certainly not death. Most of the bites were in adults; minor symptoms resolved without complications.

Although these large spiders were transported in bananas to Europe many years ago, currently, Brazil consumes almost all of its banana crop domestically so now there is less chance for the spiders to be transported out of the country, at least in fruit.

On the west coast of South America, another species,  P. boliviensis , exists and has occasionally been transported in cargo to North America (mostly from Ecuador).  However, in comparison to its eastern relatives, this species is smaller (30 mm body length) and its envenomation effects are milder.  A paper on bites in plantation workers revealed annoying symptoms but no deaths.  Workers missed 2 to 3 days of work.  So even if these spiders were transported to North America, they are not considered very dangerous and should not cause concern.

To summarize:

• The dangerous species of  Phoneutria  are found in the Amazon where interaction with people is rare and transport out of the country in commerce is highly unlikely. 
• The two species associated with high human population on the eastern Brazilian coast cause human envenomations but are not as dangerous as they are reported to be.  Although they can cause death in young children, most bite victims experience mild reactions.
• Brazil no longer exports much of their banana crop.
• The western South American species of  Phoneutria  is much smaller than the eastern species and although sometimes is transported, it is not a major medical concern when bites occur.
• All  Phoneutria  species are virtually restricted to South America.  If a spider is found in a banana shipment from Central America, then it is highly unlikely to be a  Phoneutria  spider (see next section)

Cupiennius  spiders

These are the spiders that are most frequently mistaken as  Phoneutria  spiders.  They are large, found in banana shipments and one species,  Cupiennius chiapanensis , has bright red hairs on its chelicerae.  One major contributing factor to the confusion is that  C. chiapanensis  was only officially described in 2006 so only a few arachnologists in Central America were aware of this spider. There are other species,  C. getazi , and  C. coccineus,  which have sometimes been transported to North America in bananas.  The large species of  Cupiennius,  which are most frequently found in banana shipments in North America, live exclusively in Central America.  They have characteristic coloration:

Cupiennius chiapanensis - bright red hairs on chelicerae

Cupiennius getazi - underside of legs near body has black dots on white background

Cupiennius coccineus -   underside of front legs near body has bright red hairs

Cupiennius getazi

However, because  C. chiapanensis  has bright red hairs on the chelicerae and was only recently described, almost no sources have accurate information on this spider.  Hence, it looks closest to  Phoneutria fera  and then the hysteria starts.  I am aware of 6 cases where a North American arachnologist (including myself) as well as several Mexican authors made misidentifications, most of which came before 2006.  No species of  Cupiennius  spider is considered dangerous and verified bites result in mild pain for a short time with no long-lasting effects. 

• Cupiennius  spiders are often found in banana shipments to North America but are harmless.
• Cupiennius  spiders are virtually restricted to Central America or at least the ones that end up in banana shipments come only from Central America.
• Cupiennius chiapanensis  has only been officially known since 2006 and is frequently mistaken as the potentially dangerous  Phoneutria fera , even by experienced arachnologists because both spider species have red hairs on their chelicerae.

Huntsman spider,  Heteropoda venatoria

This spider is established worldwide in tropical areas including Hawaii and Florida.  It is frequently found in cargo shipments of all kinds and in bananas is common from Ecuador.  It has a white “moustache” under its eyes and holds it legs rotated to the side like a crab.  The males and females have strikingly different coloration. These spiders are harmless.

Summary for the entire page so far

• If you have a large spider found in bananas from a country in Central America, it is most probably going to be a harmless species of the genus  Cupiennius .
• If you have a large spider found in bananas from western South America (i.e., Ecuador), if it has a white moustache, it is the harmless huntsman spider,  Heteropoda venatoria.    If large but with no moustache, possibly it is  Phoneutria boliviensis,  which is of minor medical concern but could also be one of several other non-related species.
• You can’t use the red facial hairs alone to accurately identify a large spider found in bananas.
• None of these spiders are deadly.

Spider egg sacs found on bananas

 In the last few years, there have been more incidences of egg sacs found on bananas brought into North America.  Most of these are crushed during shipment but on occasion a few survive transport and babies can hatch out of them, causing panic in the home owner.  And once again, people who have no arachnological training immediately identify these egg sacs as the hyperbolically-dangerous  Phoneutria fera  spider.  First of all, the general public is notoriously bad in identifying spiders in bananas when comparing pictures.  Considering how there is almost nothing in the scientific literature on egg sacs of these spiders, it is really amazing that people are so assured that they have correctly identified the egg sac to one species of spider. 

In regard to this, I have personally seen 10 to 20 egg sacs from bananas, several with live spiderlings.  I was not successful in raising the babies; they wouldn’t eat anything that I offered them including each other and I have reared thousands of baby spiders of other species to adulthood in my career.  So people freak out because they fear that these spiders will establish in their homes, when I couldn’t get them to eat anything to get them to the next instar (stage between molts).

In addition, the egg sacs that I have been receiving have about 50 to 200 eggs inside. According to a paper in the  Journal of Arachnology ,  Phoneutria boliviensis , (the small  Phoneutria  spider) lays an average of 836 eggs in its egg sac with a range of 430 to 1300 eggs.  So the egg sacs that I have been receiving are much smaller than the smallest  Phoneutria  egg sac.  Also, from the spiderlings that I have examined, they look closest to a small harmless spider genus,  Acanthoctenus .  But because these spiders are so small and hard to identify, there is also the possibility that they are being laid by some other species that is never found in bananas so we have no idea what species it is. 

But the overall message here is that the egg sacs that have been coming through in bananas do not appear to be anything dangerous and the reports of  “deadly” banana spiderlings being found by home owners is just another case of misidentification and unwarranted media hyperbole.

Wellcome to SpiderZoon

• Spider Facts

Brazilian Wandering Spider: Size, Bite, Diet and Other Facts 

The Brazilian Wandering Spider is a venomous arachnid with a fearsome reputation. This South American rainforest dweller packs a powerful punch, but don’t let its nickname “banana spider” fool you – they’re active hunters, not web-spinners. Despite their size and venom, bites are uncommon as they’re typically shy.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider has garnered significant attention due to its potent venom, which makes it one of the world’s most venomous spiders. Understanding its biology and behavior is crucial for both scientific research and public safety.

Table of Contents

Scientific classification

The Brazilian Wandering Spider belongs to the family Ctenidae within the order Araneae. Its scientific classification is as follows:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Order: Araneae
• Family: Ctenidae
• Genus: Phoneutria

The Brazilian Wandering Spider goes by various common names, including “armed spider,” “banana spider,” and “wandering spider.” Synonyms for this species may include Ctenus , which was formerly used for some Phoneutria species.

Distribution and habitat

Distribution:

• South American:  Found throughout most of South America east of the Andes mountains, including countries like Brazil (their namesake), Argentina, Paraguay, and up into northern regions.
• Central American Touch:  A few species even reach southern Central America.
• Rainforest Dwellers:  Primarily found in the lush rainforests of South America.
• Not Picky Places:  They can also adapt to other habitats like the Atlantic Forest and even some urban areas.
• Daytime Hideouts:  While they wander at night, they seek shelter during the day in places like termite mounds, under rocks, or even (unintentionally) in bananas!

Physical Characteristics

 size and weight.

The Brazilian wandering spider is a creepy crawly giant. Their bodies can grow up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) long, but that’s not the scary part. Their legs can span a whopping 7 inches (18 cm), making them look even bigger. They are one of the biggest true spiders by body weight and size.

Despite their impressive leg span, Brazilian wandering spiders are relatively light. They only weigh around 6 grams, which is about the same as two pennies. While they might look imposing, they’re not the heaviest arachnids around.

Coloration and markings

These spiders exhibit a range of colors, including brown, black, and sometimes reddish hues. They often have distinctive markings on their bodies, which can vary between species. These markings may include stripes or patterns that serve as a key identification feature.

Notable features

One of the most notable features of the Brazilian Wandering Spider is its elongated, robust body and long, agile legs. They have sharp fangs, which they use to inject venom into their prey or in self-defense.

Sexual dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is evident in this species. Females are larger and bulkier than males, while males have longer, more slender legs. Additionally, males possess specialized structures known as pedipalps, which are used during mating.

In the following sections of this article, we will delve deeper into the behavior, venom, and ecological role of the Brazilian Wandering Spider, shedding light on why this species has both fascinated and instilled fear in those who encounter it.

 Behavior and Ecology

 Nocturnal habits

Brazilian Wandering Spiders are primarily nocturnal creatures. They are most active during the night, venturing out of their daytime hiding places to hunt for prey and engage in mating activities. Their nighttime activity allows them to avoid predators and reduce the risk of desiccation in the hot tropical sun.

Hunting and feeding behavior

These spiders are agile hunters and primarily feed on insects, small vertebrates, and other arachnids. They do not build webs to capture prey but instead rely on their excellent senses, including acute vision and touch, to locate and stalk their victims. They often wander in search of food and are known for their swift and lethal strikes. Once they subdue their prey, they inject venom to immobilize it before feeding.

Brazilian Wandering Spiders (Phoneutria) are active hunters and have distinctive feeding behaviors. Here’s an overview of their feeding habits:

• Active Predators: Brazilian Wandering Spiders are not web-builders like many other spider species. Instead, they are active predators. They actively roam their environment in search of prey rather than waiting for insects to stumble into a web.
• Hunting Strategy: When hunting, these spiders use their excellent senses, including acute vision and touch, to locate potential prey. They are known for their agility and speed, which they use to stalk and capture their victims. They have sharp fangs, which they use to deliver a venomous bite to immobilize their prey.
• Diet: Their diet consists primarily of insects and other arthropods, but they are opportunistic feeders and may consume a variety of small creatures, including small vertebrates such as frogs and lizards when the opportunity arises.
• Venom Use: Brazilian Wandering Spiders inject venom into their prey to immobilize and partially digest it. Their venom contains neurotoxins that affect the nervous system of their victims. Once the prey is incapacitated, the spider can feed on it at its leisure.
• Feeding Process: After subduing their prey with a venomous bite, the spider uses its chelicerae (fangs) to break down the prey’s tissues. The venom also helps in predigestion, turning the prey’s insides into a semi-liquid form that the spider can ingest. They can consume both the internal fluids and solid parts of their prey.
• Frequency of Feeding: The frequency of feeding can vary depending on factors such as the availability of prey and the spider’s size. Generally, they need to feed periodically to sustain their energy and growth. Spiderlings may require more frequent meals to support their rapid growth, while adults can go longer periods between meals.

Overall, the Brazilian Wandering Spider’s feeding strategy is well-suited for their active and wandering lifestyle, allowing them to efficiently capture and consume a variety of prey in their natural habitat.

Role in the ecosystem

The Brazilian Wandering Spider plays a vital role in controlling insect populations within its habitat. By preying on a variety of insects and other small creatures, they help maintain ecological balance. Additionally, their presence in the rainforest ecosystem contributes to the overall biodiversity and food web.

Mating and reproduction

Mating in Brazilian Wandering Spiders is a complex and potentially dangerous process. Male spiders must carefully approach and court a receptive female to avoid being mistaken for prey. They use specialized pedipalps to transfer sperm to the female’s reproductive organs. After successful mating, females lay egg sacs containing hundreds of eggs. They guard these sacs and ensure the survival of their offspring until they hatch.

 Lifespan and growth

The lifespan of Brazilian Wandering Spiders varies between males and females. Males generally have a shorter lifespan, typically living for a few months to a year after reaching maturity. Females, on the other hand, can live for several years. The growth of these spiders involves a series of molts, during which they shed their exoskeletons to accommodate their increasing size. Molting is a vulnerable period in their lives as their new exoskeleton is initially soft and requires time to harden.

Venom and Envenomation

Composition of venom.

The venom of Brazilian Wandering Spiders is a complex mixture of neurotoxins, cytotoxins, and other enzymes. One of the most significant components is a neurotoxin called PhTx3, which targets the nervous system of their prey.

Toxicity and effects on humans

The venom of these spiders is highly potent and can be lethal to their prey. In humans, envenomation can cause a range of symptoms, including intense pain, muscle cramps, fever, nausea, and in severe cases, paralysis and death. It’s important to note that while their venom is potent, actual fatalities from Brazilian Wandering Spider bites are rare due to the availability of medical treatment.

First aid and medical treatment

In the event of a Brazilian Wandering Spider bite, immediate medical attention is crucial. First aid measures may include cleaning the wound and applying ice to reduce pain and swelling. However, the primary treatment involves antivenom, which can counteract the effects of the spider’s venom.

Cases of envenomation and fatalities

Although fatalities from Brazilian Wandering Spider bites are uncommon, there have been documented cases of severe envenomation, especially in regions where medical treatment is not readily available. These spiders are generally non-aggressive and will bite humans only in self-defense when provoked, or if they feel cornered.

Understanding the behavior, ecology, and venomous nature of the Brazilian Wandering Spider is crucial for both scientific research and public awareness, helping to minimize the risk of envenomation and promote coexistence with this remarkable but potentially dangerous arachnid.

Brazilian wandering spider life cycle

The Brazilian wandering spider has a fascinating life cycle that revolves around hunting and motherhood. Here’s a breakdown:

• Egg Haven:  After mating, the female lays hundreds, sometimes even a thousand, eggs in a silken sac. This becomes their protected nursery.
• Tiny Terrors:  Hatching from the eggs emerge translucent spiderlings called larvae.
• Nymph Stage:  The larvae molt a few times, transforming into nymphs. Think of them as mini-adults but without the ability to reproduce yet.
• Shedding for Size:  As nymphs grow, they undergo multiple molts, shedding their outer shell to accommodate their larger bodies.
• Ready to Roam:  After the final molt, the spider emerges as a full-fledged adult, complete with reproductive organs. Now, they can join the wandering lifestyle and continue the cycle.

The life cycle begins when a female Brazilian Wandering Spider lays her eggs. She typically creates an egg sac made of silk and deposits it in a concealed location, such as a tree hollow or leaf litter. Inside the sac, she may lay hundreds of eggs. The female guards the egg sac and ensures its protection until the spiderlings hatch. The duration of the egg stage varies depending on environmental conditions but generally lasts for a few weeks.

Spiderling Stage

After the incubation period, spiderlings (young spiders) emerge from the egg sac. They are extremely vulnerable at this stage and rely on their mother’s protection and guidance. Spiderlings are miniature versions of adult spiders but lack the full coloration and size. They disperse from the nest once they have molted and are capable of hunting on their own. During this stage, they grow rapidly by molting, shedding their exoskeletons to accommodate their increasing size.

Juvenile Stage

As spiderlings continue to molt and grow, they progress into the juvenile stage. During this phase, their coloration becomes more distinct, and they start to develop the characteristic features of adult Brazilian Wandering Spiders. They become increasingly independent and begin to exhibit hunting behaviors. The duration of the juvenile stage can vary but often lasts several months.

Sub-Adult Stage

The sub-adult stage is an intermediate phase between juvenile and adult. At this point, the spiders are closer in size and appearance to adults but have not yet reached sexual maturity. They continue to molt, with the frequency of molting gradually decreasing as they approach adulthood. Sub-adult spiders may exhibit more territorial behaviors as they compete for resources and prepare for eventual mating.

Adult Stage

Upon reaching sexual maturity, Brazilian Wandering Spiders enter the adult stage. This is when they are fully developed and capable of reproduction. Females are larger and bulkier than males, and males possess specialized structures called pedipalps, which they use during mating. Adult spiders engage in mating activities, and females lay eggs to continue the life cycle. Adult Brazilian Wandering Spiders can live for several years, with females typically having longer lifespans than males.

Understanding the life cycle of these spiders is essential for studying their behavior, reproductive biology, and population dynamics. It also provides insights into their adaptation strategies in the complex ecosystems of South and Central America.

Brazilian Wandering Spider Bite

Brazilian Wandering Spiders are known for their potent venom and, occasionally, their bites on humans. While bites are relatively rare due to the spider’s non-aggressive nature, understanding the consequences of a bite is crucial for public safety.

Studying Brazilian Wandering Spider bites is of great interest for several reasons. It helps healthcare professionals provide appropriate medical treatment, raises awareness among communities in spider habitats, and contributes to our understanding of venomous arachnid envenomations.

The venom of Brazilian Wandering Spiders is a complex mixture of neurotoxins, cytotoxins, and enzymes. It contains various components, including PhTx3, which is a potent neurotoxin affecting the nervous system.

Brazilian Wandering Spider bites can have a range of effects on the human body, including intense pain, muscle cramps, fever, nausea, and in severe cases, paralysis. The severity of the symptoms depends on factors such as the amount of venom injected and the individual’s sensitivity to the venom. There are several types of spider bites .

Symptoms of a Brazilian Wandering Spider Bite

Local symptoms

• Intense pain
• Itching or burning sensation
• Formation of blisters or lesions

Systemic symptoms

• Muscle cramps and spasms
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Elevated heart rate
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Respiratory distress

Severity and variations

The severity of Brazilian Wandering Spider bite symptoms can vary widely. In some cases, symptoms may be mild and resolve on their own, while in severe envenomations, life-threatening complications can occur. Individual reactions to the venom can also vary, making it challenging to predict the exact outcome of a bite.

First Aid and Immediate Response

Steps to take after a bite

Immediate response to a Brazilian Wandering Spider bite should include:

• – Washing the bite area with soap and water.
• – Applying a clean, cool compress to reduce pain and swelling.
• – Immobilizing the affected limb or area.
• – Keeping the bite victim calm to prevent an elevated heart rate.

Do’s and don’ts in case of a bite

• – Seek medical attention promptly.
• – Take note of the spider’s appearance (if possible) to aid identification.
• – Keep the bite victim still and calm to reduce the spread of venom.
• – Do not try to suck out venom or make incisions at the bite site.
• – Avoid applying tourniquets.
• – Don’t use ice directly on the skin as it can worsen tissue damage.

Seeking medical attention

Medical attention is essential after a Brazilian Wandering Spider bite, even if symptoms appear mild initially. Antivenom is available and can be administered to counteract the effects of the venom. Medical professionals can also manage symptoms and monitor for potential complications.

Complications and Long-Term Effects

Potential complications

Complications from Brazilian Wandering Spider bites can include:

• – Severe muscle spasms
• – Respiratory distress
• – Cardiovascular issues
• – Kidney failure (rare)
• – Allergic reactions to antivenom

Long-term consequences

Long-term consequences of a bite can vary depending on the severity and medical treatment received. Some individuals may experience lingering pain, muscle weakness, or psychological trauma following a severe envenomation.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery from a Brazilian Wandering Spider bite typically involves medical treatment, rehabilitation for muscle and nerve damage, and psychological support for individuals affected by the experience. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy to regain muscle strength and function. Prompt medical attention and appropriate care are crucial for minimizing long-term effects and complications.

Facts of Brazilian Wanding Spider

Here are 10 creepy crawly facts about the Brazilian Wandering Spider:

• Big and Hairy:  These spiders are giants! Their bodies can grow up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) long, with a leg span of up to 7 inches (18 cm). They are covered in hairs, making them appear even bigger.
• Wanderlust:  They are aptly named – Brazilian wandering spiders don’t spin webs. Instead, they wander the forest floor at night in search of prey.
• Venomous Bite:  Their venom is considered one of the most potent among spiders. A bite can cause severe pain, swelling, sweating, nausea, and even priapism in males. Thankfully, bites are rare as they are typically shy and defensive.
• Not So Fond of Bananas:  While sometimes called ‘banana spiders,’ they are not typically found in bananas. They might, however, take shelter in them during transport, which is how they might end up in a faraway land.
• Rainforest Resident:  These spiders are native to the rainforests of South America, particularly in Brazil.
• Fearsome Feasters:  They’re active hunters and will eat almost anything they can overpower, including insects, lizards, frogs, and even small rodents.
• Mom’s the Word:  Female Brazilian wandering spiders are dedicated mothers. They lay hundreds of eggs in a silken sac and fiercely guard them until they hatch.
• Multiple Molts:  Like all spiders, Brazilian wandering spiders grow through molting. They shed their exoskeleton multiple times as they grow into adults.
• Mating Dance:  Male Brazilian wandering spiders perform a elaborate mating dance to attract a female.
• Medicinal Potential:  Despite their scary reputation, the venom of the Brazilian wandering spider is being studied for its potential use in treating erectile dysfunction.

What happens if a Brazilian Wandering Spider bites a man?

A Brazilian Wandering Spider bite on a man can cause a range of symptoms, some severe:

• Pain:  The bite is known for causing intense, localized pain at the site.
• Autonomic effects:  Sweating, nausea, and increased heart rate are common.
• Priapism:  In some cases, males may experience a prolonged and painful erection (priapism). This is due to a component in the venom.
• Muscle paralysis:  Severe bites can lead to muscle paralysis, which can affect breathing in rare cases.

However, it’s important to remember:

• Bites are uncommon as these spiders are typically shy and defensive.
• Antivenom is available and effective in treating bites.

If bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.

How poisonous is a Brazilian Wandering Spider?

Brazilian Wandering Spider packs a nasty venomous punch, considered one of the strongest among spiders. Bites are rare though, as they’re shy and prefer to escape trouble.

What is the world’s deadliest spider?

The term “deadliest” can be subjective and depends on how one defines it (e.g., based on venom potency or human fatalities). However, the Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria) is often considered one of the most venomous spiders in the world. Another spider often mentioned in discussions of venom toxicity is the Sydney Funnel-web Spider (Atrax robustus and Atrax formosus), found in Australia. These spiders are known for their potent venom and have caused fatalities in the past.

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Brazilian Wandering Spider Found in Bunch of Bananas

News: a cocoon of brazilian wandering spiders was found in a bunch of tesco bananas., david mikkelson, published march 12, 2015.

On 10 March 2015, Maria Layton posted a disturbing image on Tesco's Facebook page showing what she identified as a Brazilian wandering spider egg cocoon she found on one of the bananas she had purchased from one of the chain's stores:

According to the Telegraph , the eggs in the cocoon started hatching shortly after Layton discovered them, whereupon the 43-year-old mother of two sealed the spider-infested bananas in a container and placed them in her freezer. She maintained that the arachnids were Brazilian wandering spiders ("the most poisonous in the world") after conducting a Google search and called Tesco to complain about the potentially deadly bananas she had purchased.

When she received little help from customer service, she posted the above-displayed image on Facebook along with a message urging Tesco to remedy the problem:

I just found this on a banana my husband bought from tesco. Does it look like a spider cocoon to anyone? I called Tesco three times and was told to bring it back to the store. I opened the bag and chucked it in the bin before I spotted this thing. Should I take the bin to the store too and my fruit bowl? Would Tesco like to come round to check whether any baby spiders are in our house?  

Although Tesco attempted to resolve the issue, the company did not send anyone to Layton's residence to take care of the spiders:

"Our policy is for the customer to take the product to the store where it can be investigated. We don't have a service whereby someone can go out to the home."  

The Brazilian wandering spider was named the world's most venomous spider by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010. Although the spider's bite can be deadly, its venom is currently being studied for use in erectile dysfunction medication.

Last updated:   12 March 2015

By David Mikkelson

David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994.

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5 Types of Banana Spiders (From Harmless to Venomous)

If you’re confused about banana spiders, you’re not alone. Turns out that there are at least 5 types of spiders commonly called banana spiders depending on where you live. Here’s what you need to know about range and venom levels.

Guide to Banana Spiders (All Types)

To help clear the confusion, let’s dive into the following banana spider facts.

1. Golden silk orb-weaver spiders

• Common name: Golden silk orb-weaver spiders
• Latin name: Nephila
• Also known as Golden silk orb-weaver, giant wood spider, calico spider, writing spider
• Venomous: Not harmful to humans
• Range: Warmer regions throughout Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas
• Size: Body length: 1.5 to 2 inches (4.8 to 5.1 cm)
• Unique feature: Strong, impressive webs

What does a golden silk orb-weaver banana spider look like? These spiders feature cylindrical bodies. Females are much larger than the mostly-brown males and have yellow and white abdomens and long, skinny legs that are striped with yellow and brown bands.

Chances are if you live in a warm region of the world, you’ve seen one of these golden silk orb-weavers that are often called banana spiders as well as various other names.

Much larger than their brown male counterparts, the females are the most striking because of the coloring on their bodies and their long, slender legs.

Most likely, it’s the webs of these spiders that catch your attention because they’re often quite large with intricate designs. If you’ve ever accidentally walked into one, you know how strong they are because they’re hard to get off your face.

Did you know these spiders can even adjust the hue of their webs according to the local sunlight conditions in order to catch prey by surprise? How’s that for some pretty cool banana spider facts?

Nephila spiders usually won’t bite you unless you poke at them and threaten them. Their bites may sting and cause redness, but their venom is mild and not harmful to healthy humans.

2. Cupiennius (Banana Spider)

• Common name: Banana spider
• Latin name: Cupiennius (genus)
• Also known as Red-faced banana spider
• Venomous: Mild, comparable to a bee sting
• Range: South and Central America
• Size: Body length: 0.35 inches (9 mm) to 1.6 inches (40 mm)
• Unique feature: Vivid red hairs on chelicerae (mouthparts). Frequently mistaken for Phoneutria  spiders

What does a Cupiennius banana spider look like? Spiders of the Cupiennius genus are usually large with brown, furry bodies and long, skinny legs. Some species of this genus are distinguished from other similar spiders by the bright red hairs on their mouthparts.

Native to Central and South America, Cupiennius is a genus of spiders broadly called banana spiders because bananas are the plants on which these spiders are most often found.

It’s quite common for workers in other countries to discover these spiders in imported banana shipments. Cupiennius are also called hunting spiders or huntsman spiders because they hunt their prey instead of spinning webs.

There are eleven species of the Cupiennius banana spider. In brackets is their known range.

• Cupiennius bimaculatus (Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, Ecuador )
• Cupiennius chiapanensis (Mexico)
• Cupiennius coccineus ( Costa Rica to Colombia)
• Cupiennius cubae (Cuba, Costa Rica to Venezuela)
• Cupiennius foliatus (Costa Rica, Panama)
• Cupiennius getazi (Costa Rica, Panama)
• Cupiennius granadensis (Costa Rica to Colombia)
• Cupiennius remedius (Guatemala)
• Cupiennius salei (Mexico, Central America, Hispaniola)
• Cupiennius valentinei (Panama)
• Cupiennius vodou (Hispaniola)

If you don’t know your spider types, you might freak out, mistaking one of these for the more venomous spider, the Phoneutria (Brazilian wandering spider).

The two look similar, but you can distinguish the Cupiennius by its bright red mouthparts . Some species of Cupiennius spiders are large and scary-looking, but they’re only mildly venomous. The effect of their venom to a human is comparable to that of a bee sting.

3. Hawaiian garden spider

• Common name: Hawaiian garden spider
• Latin name: Argiope appensa
• Also known as orb-weaving spider, banana spider
• Range: Pacific Ocean, in Hawaii, Taiwan, Australia, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Indonesia
• Size: Length including body and legs: 0.75 to 2.5 inches (1.9 to 6.4 cm)
• Unique feature: Webs with zig-zag designs

What does a Hawaiian garden banana spider look like? Males are small and brown. The much larger females are yellow and black with a body shaped like a king’s crown.

If you don’t live on any of the islands of the Pacific Ocean, you probably won’t see a Hawaiian garden spider because that’s where they call home.

At first glance, you might think this spider looks the same as one of the Nephila orb-weaver spiders because the females have similar black and yellow stripes. Take a second look, and you’ll notice that their bodies are not cylindrical like the Nephila but have the shape of a king’s crown.

Another way to tell the Hawaiian garden spider from other orb-weaver spider types is by their webs. These spiders know how to make their webs durable by weaving them with a distinctive zig-zag design.

Hawaiian garden spiders are not harmful to you unless you’re a bug. If you spot one in your garden, you should let it alone because they prey upon insects that eat plants and flowers.

4. Golden silk-orb weaver

• Common name: Golden silk-orb weaver
• Latin name: Trichonephila clavipes
• Also known as Banana spider
• Range: North, Central, and South America
• Size: Body length: 0.31 to 2 inches (8 to 50 mm)
• Unique feature: Clumps of dark hair on legs

What does a Trichonephila clavipes banana spider look like? These spiders are similar to the black and yellow Nephila but have longer, darker, and less yellow bodies.

Officially regrouped within the Trichonephila genus, this silk orb-weaver was previously classified as a Nephila species. That’s no wonder since it looks similar to the black and yellow Nephila .

Upon careful observation, you’ll see that this species features a longer body that is also darker in color with less yellow. It’s also known for the clumps of dark hair on its legs which are common among its genus.

Trichonephila clavipes live in the range from the southeastern USA throughout Central America and all the way to Argentina in South America, but they can also be found as far north as Eastern Canada in the summer.

Although this spider may look threatening, it is not aggressive. It will only bite if it’s handled roughly, and its venom is harmless to humans, causing only slight redness to the bite area.

5. Brazilian wandering spider

• Common name: Brazilian wandering spider
• Latin name: Phoneutria
• Also known as Armed spider, huntsman spider, banana spider
• Venomous: Extremely venomous
• Range: Central America and northern South America
• Size: Leg span: 5.1 to 7.1 inches (130 to 180 mm); Body length: 0.67 to 1.89 inches (17 to 48 mm)
• Unique feature: Dangerous venom that could be fatal to humans

What does a Brazilian wandering spider banana spider look like? Phoneutria are large, brown and hairy spiders with long legs and are recognized by the patch of dense, fine hair on their pedipalps (pair of appendages adjacent to the chelicerae mouthparts)

Another genus of spiders commonly called banana spiders because they’re often discovered in banana shipments, Phoneutria spiders have much in common with Cupiennius .

Their found in Central and South America, they’re large, hairy, and brown, and they also hunt their prey at night instead of using webs. Plus, the species, Phoneutria fera , features bright red mouthparts like Cupiennius .

Aside from the similarities, it’s vitally important that you recognize the differences between these two spider types. Although incidents are rare, bites from Phoneutria can be dangerously toxic to humans and have been known to be fatal to young children.

Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to tell the difference between these two spider types.

• Phoneutria has patches of dense, fine hairs on its pedipalps, which are the two appendages beside the chelicerae mouthparts. If you don’t want to get that close to the spider, then take a look at the forelegs.
• Phoneutria forelegs often have a dark stripe on the front side and contrasting black and yellow/white bands on the underside.

Banana Spider Questions and Answers

What is a banana spider.

Well, it might sound like it’s a spider that either eats bananas or looks like a banana, but a banana spider is actually the common name for various spiders found around the world.

Some are called such either because they feature yellow bodies or because they’re found living on banana plants and in shipments of imported bananas.

How many types of banana spiders are there?

There are at least five types of banana spiders which are discussed in this post.

They include:

• Hunting spider ( Cupiennius )
• Golden silk orb-weaver ( Nephila )
• Hawaiian garden spider ( Argiope appensa )
• Golden silk-orb weaver ( Trichonephila clavipes )
• Brazilian wandering spider ( Phoneutria )

There is also a goblin spider native to China that’s listed in the Bannana genus.

Are banana spiders venomous?

The banana spiders in this post all contain venom, but most of them are not harmful to humans except for redness and a stinging feeling at the bite location.

The only banana spider you should be concerned about is the Brazilian wandering spider ( Phoneutria ) which can be harmful and possibly fatal to humans. If you’re ever bitten by a Brazilian wandering spider, you should seek medical help immediately.

How deadly is a banana spider?

Only the Brazilian wandering spider is considered deadly, and that’s not all the time. Unfortunately, two children died from bites by the same spider in São Sebastião, Brazil. But some workers on banana plantations have reported only mild reactions after being bitten.

Experts believe this is because these spiders don’t always release their full venom at once but sometimes produce “dry bites.”

Where do banana spiders live?

Different banana spiders live in different places around the world. The ones that are found in banana plants live in Central and South America.

Some known as golden silk orb-weavers live in warm regions like Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas while others live in the islands of the Pacific Ocean.

Are banana spiders aggressive?

Banana spiders may look frightening, but they’re usually shy and won’t bother you as long as you don’t bother them. If they feel threatened, they may bite out of defense.

Common banana spider myth (debunked)

Have you ever heard that monkeys peel bananas from the end opposite to the stem because they know that banana spiders live in the banana tips? It’s a common myth that banana spiders lay their eggs in banana plant blossoms, and baby spiders can end up in your breakfast.

So, before you swear off eating bananas, rest assured that this myth is false. Banana spiders lay their eggs in the leaves of banana plants and not the banana blossoms which grow and change too quickly for a mother banana spider’s peace of mind.

Learn more about bananas in our Weird & Tasty Guide to 28 Banana Facts

You might also enjoy: 22 Rhinoceros Beetle Facts

We hope that these banana spider facts have helped you learn more about what banana spiders are and why they’re called such. Before this post, were you familiar with banana spiders? Did any of these facts surprise you? Let us know in the comments!

Hi, I'm Bryan Haines . And I'm a co-founder of Storyteller.Travel . I'm a traveler and photographer.

I also blog about photography on Storyteller Tech .

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Brazilian Wandering Spider

Brazilian Wandering Spider , scientifically known as Phoneutria, emerges as a captivating enigma in the realm of arachnids.

Renowned for its formidable reputation as one of the world’s most venomous spiders , Phoneutria embodies a plethora of intriguing traits that have captured the curiosity of enthusiasts and researchers alike.

From its distinctive appearance and neurotoxic venom to its nomadic hunting strategies and unique mating behaviors , this remarkable spider species holds a wealth of fascinating secrets waiting to be unraveled.

Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the captivating world of the Brazilian Wandering Spider, shedding light on its captivating characteristics and dispelling myths that have shrouded its true nature.

1. Taxonomy and Distribution of the Brazilian Wandering Spider

A. scientific classification of phoneutria.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider, scientifically referred to as Phoneutria, occupies a distinct place within the arachnid taxonomy.

Belonging to the family Ctenidae, this spider genus is further categorized into several species, each boasting unique traits and behaviors .

Phoneutria’s taxonomic position not only distinguishes it from its arachnid counterparts but also underscores its intriguing evolutionary journey.

B. Native Habitat in South and Central America

Endemic to the lush landscapes of South and Central America, the Brazilian Wandering Spider finds its natural haven within these diverse regions.

From the rainforests of the Amazon to the tropical stretches of the Caribbean, Phoneutria has adapted to a range of environments over the course of its evolution.

The spider’s ancestral ties to these regions are tightly woven into their behaviors , anatomy, and survival strategies.

C. Preference for Tropical Rainforests and Urban Areas

Within its native territories, the Brazilian Wandering Spider exhibits remarkable versatility in its chosen habitats.

While it thrives amidst the vibrant biodiversity of tropical rainforests, it has also displayed a propensity for urban locales.

Phoneutria’s adaptability has led it to establish a presence in urban areas, where it often finds shelter in crevices, gardens, and even human dwellings.

This adaptability to both wild and urban spaces further showcases the spider’s resilience and capacity to thrive in varying conditions.

2. Physical Characteristics of the Brazilian Wandering Spider

A. size, coloration, and distinctive markings.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider , a creature of remarkable visual intrigue, boasts an array of captivating physical attributes.

Ranging in size from a few centimeters to several inches, Phoneutria showcases a size diversity that reflects the breadth of its genus.

Its coloration varies across species, encompassing shades of brown, black, and gray, often accompanied by intricate patterns and markings that adorn its exoskeleton.

These unique markings serve not only as a visual spectacle but also as essential components of its survival toolkit.

B. Camouflage and Defense Mechanisms

The Brazilian Wandering Spider’s appearance is a masterpiece of evolution, meticulously crafted to ensure both survival and predation .

Its coloration and markings are tailor-made for blending seamlessly into its surroundings, granting it a potent advantage in ambushing prey and evading predators . Moreover, these markings also play a role in its defense mechanisms.

When threatened, Phoneutria adopts a defensive posture, raising its front legs and revealing its striking markings, a visual warning to potential threats. This dual-purpose camouflage and defense strategy exemplify nature’s ingenuity at its finest.

C. Sexual Dimorphism: Unveiling Gender Differences

A fascinating facet of the Brazilian Wandering Spider lies in the realm of sexual dimorphism , where gender-based variations manifest in pronounced ways.

Females tend to be larger and more robust than their male counterparts, showcasing a size disparity that has evolved in tandem with their roles in reproduction and hunting .

Beyond size, other characteristics, such as leg structure and coloration, also exhibit subtle differences between male and female Phoneutria specimens.

This divergence in physical traits adds depth to our understanding of the species’ intricate biology and behavior .

In exploring the physical characteristics of the Brazilian Wandering Spider , we uncover a canvas painted with size diversity, intricate coloration, and unique markings.

These features, finely tuned by evolution, contribute to its prowess in camouflage and defense, while the fascinating interplay of sexual dimorphism further enriches our perception of this captivating arachnid species .

3. Venomous Nature of the Brazilian Wandering Spider

A. potent neurotoxic venom: a silent lethal weapon.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider, known scientifically as Phoneutria, harbors a venomous arsenal that stands as a testament to nature’s intricate design.

This spider’s venom contains a potent concoction of neurotoxic compounds, tailored by evolution to incapacitate its prey swiftly and efficiently.

The neurotoxins interfere with nerve cell communication, leading to paralysis and ensuring that Phoneutria’s quarry is rendered immobile and defenseless, setting the stage for a successful meal.

B. Effects on Prey and Human Hazard

When a victim succumbs to the Brazilian Wandering Spider’s venom , the effects are a symphony of paralysis and predation .

The venom’s impact on the prey’s nervous system results in swift immobilization, offering the spider a decisive advantage in subduing its catch.

While this venomous efficiency is well-adapted for predation, it also underscores the potential danger to humans.

A bite from Phoneutria can lead to a series of neurotoxic reactions, with varying degrees of severity depending on factors such as the individual’s age and overall health.

While human envenomations are relatively rare, they can result in a range of symptoms, from localized pain and swelling to more severe neurological effects.

C. Recorded Cases of Envenomations: Unraveling the Symptoms

Throughout history, documented cases of Phoneutria envenomations have offered insights into the spider’s potential threat to humans .

Symptoms typically include intense pain at the bite site, accompanied by swelling and redness . In some instances, victims have reported systemic reactions, such as muscle cramps, elevated heart rate, and even breathing difficulties.

Swift medical attention and the administration of antivenom have proven effective in mitigating the severity of these symptoms.

These cases serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between the Brazilian Wandering Spider’s potent venom and the potential risks it poses to those who unwittingly encounter it.

4. Hunting and Diet of the Brazilian Wandering Spider

A. hunting techniques and wandering behavior.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider, scientifically known as Phoneutria, unveils a mesmerizing repertoire of hunting techniques that set it apart as a master predator .

Displaying an agile and nomadic behavior , Phoneutria does not confine itself to the confines of a web. Instead, it actively prowls its surroundings, tirelessly searching for potential prey.

This dynamic wandering behavior ensures that its chances of encountering a variety of food sources are maximized, showcasing a strategic approach to sustenance.

B. Active Hunting Triumphs Over Web-Building

Unlike its web-weaving counterparts, the Brazilian Wandering Spider relies on a more hands-on approach to securing its next meal.

While weaving webs might seem an efficient method, Phoneutria’s active hunting strategy offers a distinct advantage in versatility.

By forgoing the constraints of a stationary web, it can tailor its approach to suit different environments and prey types, adapting its tactics on the fly.

This adaptability demonstrates the spider’s remarkable ability to adjust its methods for optimal results.

C. Diverse Prey Spectrum: Insects to Small Vertebrates

Phoneutria’s diet is a testament to its prowess as an opportunistic predator . Its menu spans a diverse range of creatures, from insects like crickets and cockroaches to small vertebrates such as lizards and frogs , and even small rodents.

This wide-ranging palate highlights its ecological significance in controlling various populations within its habitat.

By consuming creatures both large and small, Phoneutria ensures a balanced ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological equilibrium.

5. Mating and Reproduction of the Brazilian Wandering Spider

A. courtship rituals and behaviors: a complex affair.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider, scientifically referred to as Phoneutria, reveals a captivating array of courtship rituals and behaviors that form the cornerstone of its reproductive cycle.

Courtship among these arachnids is a complex affair, involving intricate dances and displays that serve as both communication and assessment.

Male Phoneutria employs a combination of visual cues, vibrations, and tactile interactions to court potential mates.

This elaborate courtship process highlights the significance of precise communication in the delicate dance of reproduction .

B. Cannibalistic Tendencies: A Post-Mating Phenomenon

An aspect that sets Phoneutria’s mating process apart is the notorious cannibalistic tendency exhibited by females after mating.

Following successful mating, females may exhibit an inclination to consume their partners. This seemingly counterintuitive behavior has evolutionary underpinnings.

It is believed that this cannibalistic act not only provides the female with a much-needed nutritional boost but also eliminates potential competitors and safeguards the male’s investment in the next generation.

This intriguing behavior sheds light on the complexities of reproductive strategies within the species.

C. The Unique Mating Plug Phenomenon: A Puzzling Enigma

A distinctive feature in Phoneutria’s reproductive saga is the enigmatic mating plug phenomenon. After mating, male Phoneutria deposit a specialized substance that forms a plug within the female’s reproductive tract.

This plug is believed to serve multiple purposes. It may prevent other males from mating with the female, thus ensuring the successful transmission of the mating male’s genetic material.

Additionally, it might aid in sealing off the female’s reproductive tract, potentially protecting her from external pathogens.

This phenomenon underscores the intricate interplay of biological strategies that contribute to the species’ reproductive success.

6. Human Interaction and Urban Legends of the Brazilian Wandering Spider

A. occasional presence in urban areas: nature in our midst.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider, scientifically known as Phoneutria, has carved a niche for itself not only in the wild but also in the fabric of urban environments.

While its primary habitats are the lush landscapes of South and Central America, Phoneutria occasionally ventures into human -inhabited spaces. Its adaptability allows it to find shelter in gardens, crevices, and even within homes.

This coexistence with humans adds an intriguing dimension to our encounters with this enigmatic arachnid .

B. Debunking Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction

The presence of the Brazilian Wandering Spider has sparked a plethora of misconceptions and exaggerated tales, contributing to the creation of urban legends.

Stories of spiders leaping from banana bunches or hiding under toilet seats have become part of modern folklore, often fueled by sensationalism.

It’s crucial to sift through these tales and recognize that while Phoneutria’s venom is potent, the likelihood of encountering a dangerous encounter is relatively low.

Separating fact from fiction empowers individuals to approach these creatures with accurate knowledge.

C. Importance of Proper Education: Identifying Friend from Foe

Education plays a pivotal role in fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and the Brazilian Wandering Spider .

Learning to identify and understand the behaviors of Phoneutria species enhances safety for both humans and the spiders themselves.

Instead of succumbing to unwarranted fear, individuals can take steps to reduce the chances of accidental encounters and, if necessary, engage in responsible removal methods.

By arming themselves with knowledge, individuals can navigate encounters with urban-dwelling Phoneutria specimens with confidence and respect.

7. Brazilian Wandering Spider Conservation and Misunderstanding

A. significance of phoneutria in ecosystem dynamics.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider , scientifically termed Phoneutria, assumes a pivotal role within its ecosystem, contributing to a delicate balance of populations and interactions.

As a top-tier predator , it plays a crucial part in controlling insect and small vertebrate populations, preventing unchecked growth that could disrupt the ecosystem’s equilibrium.

By maintaining these population dynamics, Phoneutria ensures the health and stability of its habitat, highlighting its significance beyond its ominous reputation.

B. Impact of Fear and Misunderstanding: Hindrances to Conservation

Despite its ecological contributions, the Brazilian Wandering Spider often falls victim to fear-driven misconceptions that negatively impact conservation efforts.

Misunderstandings surrounding its behavior and potential danger can lead to unwarranted extermination campaigns and habitat destruction.

Fear-driven reactions not only disrupt the natural balance but also hinder opportunities to study and appreciate the species for its ecological significance.

Addressing these misconceptions is crucial to ensuring the spider’s survival and maintaining the health of its ecosystems.

C. Efforts to Dispel Myths and Promote Coexistence

Efforts to conserve the Brazilian Wandering Spider are interwoven with endeavors to educate and dispel myths.

By providing accurate information and dispelling exaggerated tales, conservationists aim to reshape public perception.

Collaborative initiatives emphasize coexistence, highlighting the importance of responsible behavior when encountering Phoneutria.

Educating communities about the spider’s role, behavior, and conservation status fosters an environment where fear gives way to appreciation, and where balanced cohabitation becomes a reality.

8. Research and Medical Significance of the Brazilian Wandering Spider

A. ongoing scientific research on phoneutria venom.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider , Phoneutria, has garnered significant attention from the scientific community due to the unique properties of its venom.

Ongoing research delves into the intricate composition of the venom, aiming to unlock its mysteries and potential applications in various fields.

The diverse array of compounds within the venom, particularly its neurotoxic components, has attracted interest for their potential medical and therapeutic implications.

B. Antivenom Development and Therapeutic Prospects

One of the most promising areas of research surrounding Phoneutria lies in the development of antivenoms and therapeutic agents.

The venom’s potent neurotoxic effects on the nervous system have spurred efforts to create targeted treatments for conditions such as chronic pain and neurological disorders .

Additionally, the potential for antivenoms holds promise in mitigating the effects of envenomations, offering a lifeline for individuals who encounter these spiders .

This focus on harnessing the venom’s properties for positive medical outcomes highlights the transformative potential within this enigmatic arachnid .

C. Balanced Perspectives: Navigating Ethical and Scientific Endeavors

While research on the Brazilian Wandering Spider’s venom offers tremendous potential, it necessitates a balanced perspective.

As researchers probe the venom’s properties, ethical considerations arise, including the well-being of the spiders and their ecosystems.

A holistic approach acknowledges the value of understanding Phoneutria’s natural behaviors and conserving its habitats.

This balanced perspective extends to utilizing the venom’s potential responsibly, ensuring that breakthroughs are achieved while respecting the complex interplay of science and nature.

9. Frequently Asked Questions about the Brazilian Wandering Spider

What is the brazilian wandering spider.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider , scientifically known as Phoneutria, is a venomous arachnid found in South and Central America. It’s notorious for its potent venom and is considered one of the most venomous spiders in the world.

Is the Brazilian Wandering Spider dangerous to humans?

Yes, the Brazilian Wandering Spider’s venom contains potent neurotoxins that can cause a range of symptoms in humans , from localized pain and swelling to more severe reactions. While bites are relatively rare, it’s advisable to exercise caution when encountering these spiders.

What is the spider’s habitat?

The Brazilian Wandering Spider is native to tropical rainforests of South and Central America. However, it’s adaptable and can also be found in urban areas, such as gardens and houses.

How does the Brazilian Wandering Spider hunt?

Unlike many spiders that build webs, Phoneutria is an active hunter. It roams its environment in search of prey, relying on its keen senses to detect vibrations and movements.

Are Brazilian Wandering Spiders aggressive toward humans?

Brazilian Wandering Spiders are not naturally aggressive towards humans and will typically only bite in self-defense. However, caution is advised, especially in areas where these spiders are known to inhabit.

Can the Brazilian Wandering Spider’s venom be used for medical purposes?

Yes, research is ongoing into the potential medical applications of Phoneutria’s venom. Its neurotoxic properties have sparked interest in pain management and neurological treatments.

Is the spider’s reputation for crawling into banana shipments true?

While there have been stories of Brazilian Wandering Spiders being found in shipments of bananas, these occurrences are extremely rare. Spiders are unlikely to survive the conditions of shipping and storage.

How can I stay safe around Brazilian Wandering Spiders?

To stay safe, it’s important to be cautious when encountering spiders in their natural habitat. Avoid provoking or handling them, especially if you’re unsure of their identity. If you suspect you’ve been bitten, seek medical attention promptly.

Are there any efforts to conserve the Brazilian Wandering Spider?

Conservation efforts for the Brazilian Wandering Spider are intertwined with public education and dispelling myths. Recognizing its role in ecosystems and promoting coexistence are essential steps in preserving this unique species.

What can I do if I find a Brazilian Wandering Spider in my home?

If you encounter a Brazilian Wandering Spider in your home, it’s advisable to contact local pest control professionals who can safely remove the spider without causing harm.

In the intricate tapestry of nature, the Brazilian Wandering Spider , Phoneutria, emerges as a creature of both fascination and caution.

Its venomous nature and captivating behaviors have earned it a place among the most enigmatic arachnids .

As we continue to explore its world, debunk myths, and understand its vital role in ecosystems, we find a delicate balance between awe and respect.

Armed with knowledge, we navigate the realm of Phoneutria, appreciating its complexity while fostering coexistence, a testament to the intricate dance between humans and the natural world.

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Deadly Brazilian wandering spiders found in bananas sold at Tesco grocery store, family claims

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An apple a day keeps the doctor away. A banana full of deadly spiders won’t work out as well.

A woman says she found an egg sac full of deadly spiders on some bananas she had recently purchased from a grocery store. While no one was hurt in the incident, her home reportedly needs to be sealed and fumigated for two weeks to make sure none of the deadly arachnids are still lingering around.

The spiders were reportedly identified as Brazilian wandering spiders. (iStock)

Melanie Price says she saw 20 spiders swarming from an egg sac on a bunch of bananas she had just purchased from a Tesco in Wadebridge, England, The Sun reports. When the mom noticed the spiders, she reportedly grabbed her husband, 3-year-old son and 11-month-old daughter and ran outside.

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The spiders were reportedly identified as Brazilian wandering spiders, one of the most venomous in the world, according to Live Science . If left untreated, a bite from one of these spiders can be deadly, especially to children.

Pest controllers have sealed off the family’s home for two weeks to make sure none of the spiders are still living in the area, The Sun reports.

“They take two hours to kill a human. It was terrifying,” Price told The Sun. “We had to make sure the kids were safe, that comes above anything. It was a hard 48 hours, I can assure you.”

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS In a statement obtained by The Sun, a spokesperson for Tesco said, “We have strict controls to ensure all our bananas are washed and inspected prior to packing. However, on extremely rare occasions, pests can avoid detection.”

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Can Bananas Have Spiders in Them? (3 Scary Banana Spider Facts)

If you are not a fan of creepy crawlies, you may be wondering, can bananas have spiders in them?

I am sure you have all seen the lurid stories reported in the news of horrifying tales of baby spiders terrorizing the unwary banana eater!

The question itself needs some clarification.

Are we talking about spiders literally inside a banana, waiting to leap out when you peel it?

Or just a foreign beastie nestled among your bananas?

Take my hand, and I will bravely lead you through the scary world of bananas and spiders!

Yes, bananas can have spiders within the fruit itself and also hidden in the packaging. Thankfully, this is rare as the creatures are unlikely to survive the air freight journey. However, it is possible for Brazilian wandering spiders to lay their eggs inside a banana, which will allow them to mature. As the banana is peeled, the egg sac will break, releasing the spiders, which could number several hundred. The potentially deadly false widow spider can also conceal itself between the bananas. This will typically only occur in bananas imported from South America.  

1. A Banana Spider Urban Myth?

Having established that bananas can have spiders, there is one forever circulating story that is simply not true.

That is the theory that the black tip of the banana is entirely composed of spider eggs.

You can read more on this subject by clicking the link at the end of this article.

Other so-called spider facts are also not true.

There are no species of spiders that lay their eggs in banana flowers.

Spiders prefer their egg sacs to be well-protected, and the life of the banana flower is quite short, and it quickly dies.

And neither are there any screaming banana spiders, as was suggested in an internet spoof several years ago!

2. What About Harmless Spiders in Bananas?

You can easily identify the dangerous Brazilian wandering spider as it has a leg span measuring six inches!

And should it bite you, get to the hospital immediately.

The venom can kill in as little as two hours.

However, just as with any other fruit, bananas may have the occasional stowaway, but they are not always dangerous.

The red-faced banana spider is an inhabitant of Central America.

It can survive the relatively short journey to the mainland US.

However, it is completely harmless and causes no reaction should you happen to be bitten.

If you are too squeamish to squash the spider, you can place the banana in the freezer to deal with the hairy pest.

3. Are There Other Bugs or Insects in Bananas?

Yes, unfortunately, spiders are not the only threat.

The banana aphid may be found clinging to your favorite fruit.

These creatures are very tiny and difficult to spot.

You may have already eaten one without realizing it!

Other banana pests include the sugarcane weevil, the banana scab moth, and the banana skipper.

However, the harvesting and transportation process will usually remove all traces of these creatures.

To remove any potential insects or bugs, simply wash the fruit.

This will also get rid of any eggs that may be attached to the fruit.

Egg sacs may actually be from the mealybug and are completely harmless, although unpleasant to look at.

Spider Forces It’s Way Out of a Banana

Final Thoughts

I hope I haven’t scared you too much with all these bananas and spider facts!

We have discovered that it is relatively rare to see a spider in your banana hand.

And the most dangerous one is huge, and you would spot it immediately.

Spiders don’t lay their eggs in banana flowers, but occasionally, they can lay them in the fruit itself.

And let’s not even think about all the other nasty pests that may be lurking.

Better safe than sorry; always check your banana carefully before you tuck in!

And now, as promised earlier, find out if the black end of the banana has eggs in it !

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Signs and Symptoms of Spider Bites

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Spiders are normally not aggressive and do not attack humans or bite them at random. Most spiders only bite when they are cornered, trapped, or contacted by a person—such as when you reach into a dark corner or slide on a pair of boots. This can cause them to act in self-defense and bite you.

If you are bitten by a spider, symptoms may include pain, swelling, or itchiness. More serious symptoms can occur if a venomous spider (such as a black widow) bites you.

Common Symptoms 

Very few spiders in the United States cause serious illness or even death. Most spider bites will often resemble a bee sting. Unless you saw the spider bite you, it is very hard to distinguish a spider bite from an insect sting . Spider bite symptoms include the following:

• Pain at the site
• Blood blister

A venomous spider bite might lead to more severe symptoms.

Brown Recluse Spider Bite Symptoms 

The brown recluse spider is not aggressive, but it has a dangerous bite. People usually get bitten by this spider when they reach into a dark box in the basement or put on shoes or clothes where the spider is hiding.

The venom from the brown recluse spider is complex and highly poisonous. A bite may initially look like a typical insect bite. It is not until the venom spreads that severe symptoms begin to develop, especially as it starts to destroy surrounding tissues.

In addition to a significant wound, people can develop a fever, chills , and nausea. As time passes, their wound will become larger and darker in color due to necrosis (tissue death). It may develop an ulcer and turn black. The venom might also spread to fat and muscles and become infected.

This infection can even spread to the rest of your body and may become life-threatening. For instance, people may experience:

• Edema (swelling)
• Inflammation
• Hemorrhage (bleeding)
• Damage to the vessel wall
• Thrombosis ( blood clots )

In severe cases, acute kidney failure , stroke, and rhabdomyolysis (where the muscles break down) have also been reported.

While anti-venom is available, it is hard to diagnose a brown recluse spider accurately. That's because when you first get bit, you might not feel anything and in most cases, you don't see the spider that bit you. Plus, other conditions like bacterial or fungal infections or blood circulation issues can mimic a spider bite, which can often lead to a misdiagnosis.

Black Widow Spider Bite Symptoms 

Black widow bites are not usually fatal, but they are extremely dangerous, especially to young children and older adults. Bites often occur while camping, hiking, gardening , or working in the garage. After just minutes, the area next to where the bite occurred may become painful, extremely red, swollen, or develop a cyst . Fang marks may even be evident.

As the venom spreads, you might develop latrodectism —an illness caused by the bite of Latrodectus spiders. This condition can cause:

• Muscle pain, cramping, or rigidity
• Abdominal tenderness
• Rapid heart rate
• Shallow breathing
• Systemic (body-wide) pain
• Elevated blood pressure

In severe cases, a black widow bite might also cause rhabdomyolysis (where the muscles break down) and myocarditis (heart inflammation). Sometimes the pain from a black widow bite is so painful it can be mistaken for appendicitis or a heart attack .

Fortunately, most people recover from a black widow bite without needing to use anti-venom. In fact, the risk of death is only about 1% or less—though the risk is much higher in kids and older adults.

Brazilian Wandering Spider Bite Symptoms 

Brazilian wandering spiders—also known as armed spiders or banana spiders—have the largest venom glands of any spider. When these spiders were "milked" during one study, they produced as much as 8 milligrams (mg) of venom. This is a lot considering that 0.10 mg is enough to endanger human life.

The venom of this spider is a complex mixture of toxins, proteins, and peptides, which affects the ion channels and chemical receptors in your neuromuscular systems. This can cause a wide range of symptoms including:

• Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
• Abdominal cramping
• Blurred vision
• Convulsions
• Excessive sweating and salivation

The most notable reaction is that this spider's venom can cause painful and long-lasting erections in some people. For this reason, scientists have been conducting animal studies to determine if the spider's venom could be used to treat erectile dysfunction .

These spiders are rarely seen in the U.S., though some people speculate that they sometimes arrive in banana shipments. In Brazil, you can treat moderate to severe bites with anti-venom. In other milder cases, your treatment will depend on the exact symptoms you're experiencing.

Funnel-Web Spider Bite Symptoms

Funnel-web spiders, which are primarily found in Australia, are one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. These spiders are equipped with powerful, sharp fangs that can penetrate fingernails and even some shoes. These spiders are also one of the few types that are aggressive toward people.

A bite from a funnel-web spider is potentially life-threatening, so prompt anti-venom treatment is essential. Small kids and people with underlying medical conditions are particularly at risk of death or complications.

If you get bit by a funnel-web spider, you may experience:

• Excessive sweating
• Muscle twitches
• Numbness in your mouth
• Nausea or vomiting
• Extra salivation
• Watery eyes

These bites can even cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate and can sometimes lead to pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), particularly in children.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider 

See a healthcare provider if you get bitten by a venomous spider or are experiencing symptoms of a spider bite, This way, they can treat you for the bite before the venom starts to break down your skin or cause other serious complications. That said, most people will not know what type of spider bit them and will need to watch the area closely and monitor their symptoms. If your symptoms worsen, this is a good time to reach out for medical support.

You may require emergency medical attention. It's best to see a healthcare provider right away if you notice redness spreading out from the bite, fluid or pus draining from the area, an increase in pain, or discoloration in your skin. If you experience any of the following symptoms, get emergency medical treatment:

• Bullseye pattern or black scab on the skin
• Trouble breathing
• Swollen or droopy eyelids
• Rigid shoulder, chest, back, or stomach muscles

Questions to Ask Your Provider

When seeing a healthcare provider for a spider bite, come prepared with questions—especially because it's easy to forget what you want to ask when you are in pain. Here are some things to consider asking:

• Is this a spider bite or something else?
• What treatments are available to make my redness and swelling go away?
• What symptoms should I watch for or be concerned about?
• How long will my symptoms last?
• Will there be any lasting damage from this bite?

A Quick Review 

Most spiders do not attack people or bite them randomly. If you do get bitten by a spider, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Most people will experience mild pain, redness, itchiness, and swelling.

Symptoms progressing to something more significant like excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, heart rate changes, and vision changes require immediate medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although spider bites rarely cause serious problems, bites from a venomous spider like a brown recluse or black widow can cause you to feel sick.

Spider bites by venomous spiders need to be treated right away. These types of bites can cause serious complications and even lead to death.

If you don't know what type of spider bit you, keep an eye on the area and monitor your symptoms. Increasing pain and worsening symptoms are the first indicators that a bite is serious and requires evaluation.

Rahmani F, Banan Khojasteh SM, Ebrahimi Bakhtavar H, Rahmani F, Shahsavari Nia K, Faridaalaee G. Poisonous spiders: Bites, symptoms, and treatment; An educational review . Emerg (Tehran) . 2014;2(2):54-8

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Venomous spiders .

American Red Cross. Spider bites .

National Capital Poison Center. Brown recluse spider bites .

National Capital Poison Center. Black widow spider bites can be dangerous .

Williams M, Sehgal N, Nappe TM. Black widow spider toxicity . In: StatPearls . StatPearls Publishing; 2024.

Guinness World Records. Largest spider venom glands .

Cardoso FC, Walker AA, King GF, Gomez MV. Holistic profiling of the venom from the Brazilian wandering spider  Phoneutria nigriventer  by combining high-throughput ion channel screens with venomics .  Front Mol Biosci . 2023;10:1069764. doi:10.3389/fmolb.2023.1069764

Natural History Museum. Phoneutria— toxicity .

Nunes KP, Toque HA, Borges MH, Richardson M, Webb RC, de Lima ME. Erectile function is improved in aged rats by PnTx2-6, a toxin from Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom .  J Sex Med . 2012;9(10):2574-2581. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02878.x

Britannica. Phoneutria nigriventer .

Binstead JT, Nappe TM. Funnel web spider toxicity . In: StatPearls . StatPearls Publishing; 2024.

National Pest Management Association. Spider bites: Symptoms, signs and spider bite treatment .

Related Articles

Live Science

11 deadliest spiders

Posted: June 20, 2023 | Last updated: November 12, 2023

Deadliest spiders

Spiders are some of the most successful arthropods on the planet, having colonized every continent except Antarctica. Not all of these eight-legged arachnids are venomous, but some can be deadly to humans. From the notorious black widow to the ultra-deadly funnel web spider, here are some of the deadliest spiders on Earth.

By Christina Hughes.

Brown recluse spider

As their name suggests, brown recluse spiders ( Loxosceles reclusa ) have a shy nature and tend to hide away in dark, sheltered places. However, the brown recluse spider will bite if they feel threatened, and their bites can be deadly. They are usually found in the south and central United States, spanning southeastern Nebraska to southwestern Ohio, south to northwestern Georgia and into Texas.

The brown recluse spider can be dangerous to people because their venom contains a toxin that can cause skin necrosis (rotting). For the most part, symptoms, such as burning and itching at the bite site, as well as fever and nausea, develop a few hours after a bite. In extreme cases, the venom can lead to serious reactions or even death, especially to more vulnerable groups such as young children and the elderly.

Hobo spider

Part of the family of spiders known as the funnel web spiders, the hobo spider ( Eratigena agrestis , formerly Tegenaria agrestis ) can be recognized by it's light to medium brown coloring and the multiple chevron patterns (v-shaped) on its abdomen pointing toward their head. They are often confused with the brown recluse spider (and vice versa), but the brown recluse is much more dangerous to humans. While hobo spiders have been known to bite if they feel threatened, there is much debate about how venomous they actually are. So much so that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has removed them from their venomous spiders list. However, it's still wise to be cautious as hobo spider bites result in swelling and redness around the area, and can have more severe effects in young children.

Hobo spiders are not great climbers, so you'll find their funnel-shaped webs at ground level. Geographically, they can be found in western North America, in the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin, as well as distributed throughout Europe to Central Asia.

Black widow spider

In the genus Latrodectus , the black widow is one of the most venomous spiders and is found on every continent except Antarctica. In North America, they're commonly found in southern Canada and in the northeastern United States. You can identify the female black widow spider by its shiny black body and distinct red hourglass-shape on the underside of the abdomen. The male black widow is smaller in size, brown or gray in color with small red sports and does not have the hourglass marking.

While both male and female black widows are venomous, only the female is dangerous to humans. The venom of a black widow is reported to be 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake, although they don’t deliver as much venom in their bite, so fatalities are rare. That’s not to say a black widow bite isn’t painful! Those unlucky enough to be bitten by a black widow will experience nausea, fever, sweating, restlessness, muscle cramps and labored breathing, and these symptoms may last for several days.

Brazilian wandering spider

Commonly referred to as armed spiders or banana spiders (as they tend to be found hiding within shipments of bananas), the Brazilian wandering spider is one that you'll definitely want to avoid. They belong to the genus Phoneutria , Greek for "murderess," which is quite apt as they are one of the most venomous spiders on Earth.

This arachnid is aggressive, and rather than camping out, the Brazilian wandering spider actively hunts its prey, searching the jungle floor at night. If you ever find yourself in Central and South America, such as Costa Rica or Argentina, watch out! Their neurotoxic venom is extremely painful and affects the nervous system, causing increased sweating and drooling, loss of muscle control, breathing problems, and, in some cases, unwanted prolonged erections.

Yellow sac spider

The yellow sac spiders ( Cheiracanthium) are in the family Cheiracanthiidae and they probably account for more human bites that any other type of spider. These arachnids are distributed all over the globe, from America to Northern Europe, South Africa to India, and even Australia and Japan. They’re nocturnal predators and during the day they hide in small white web cocoons.

Mildly venomous to humans, the yellow sac spider bite can be painful and sometimes misdiagnosed as brown recluse bites. Their venom can cause necrotic legions, as well as redness, swelling and sores around the bite site.

Brown widow spider

Latrodectus geometricus is the scientific name for the brown widow spider. It looks similar to its infamous "cousin" the black widow, right down to the hourglass-shaped marking on its abdomen, but there are some key differences. The brown widow’s marking is orange and yellow rather than red, and as their name suggests, they predominantly have tan and brown mottling and a spiky, rather than smooth, appearance. Believed to originate in South America, the brown widow spider is found all around the world.

The brown widow's venom is less toxic than that of its black cousin. However, it can still be deadly. Although they don't deliver as much venom as a black widow, the brown widow's bite can still cause latrodectism due to its neurotoxic venom. Symptoms of lactrodectism include pain, perspiration, muscle rigidity and vomiting.

Red widow spider

Living mostly in sand dunes in Central and Southern Florida, the red widow spider ( Latrodectus bishop) is another member of the notorious "widow" family. Their venom is just as lethal as brown and black widows, but as they live so far from human contact there has been no recorded bite in medical literature. The female red widow spider's venom is a neurotoxin which is thought to cause prolonged muscle spasms.

The red widow spider has a red-orange head and legs and a black abdomen with yellow rings around red dots. Rather than an hourglass marking like its "cousins," the red widow usually has one or two red marks.

Redback spider

Due to its strikingly similar appearance, the redback spider ( Latrodectus hasselti ) was once thought to be a sub species of the black widow spider, but it is a distinct species. Also known as the Australian black widow, you can find this creepy crawly throughout Australia, Southeast Asia and New Zealand. The redback spider has even been found in Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Belgium due to inadvertent introductions.

Highly venomous, the bite from the female redback spider can be life-threatening. Using its fangs, it injects a complex venom that causes intense pain at the bite area, in addition to sweating and goosebumps. As time goes on, these symptoms worsen and there may also be redness and swelling, as well as nausea, muscle twitching, headache and fever. Respiratory failure may occur in severe cases. Thankfully, in 1956 scientists released a redback spider antivenom which is very effective, even when used several weeks after the initial bite. No deaths have been reported since.

Funnel-web spiders

Normally in the world of spiders it is the female that is more deadly, but for funnel-web spiders ( Atrax ) the male has the more toxic bite. Any attack must be treated quickly with antivenom, especially if a child has been bitten. There have been several recorded fatalities due to the venomous bites of the funnel-web spider, with death occurring within the hour after being bitten. However, since the development of the antivenom in 1981, there haven’t been any more recorded deaths. Predominantly located in southeast Australia (Sydney), funnel-web spiders are also found in New Zealand, Chile and Europe.

Interestingly, animals such as cats and dogs can actually survive a funnel web bite – it takes about 30 minutes for their body to neutralize the toxin – it's just humans who have such a severe reaction. This venom effects the nervous system and causes symptoms such as an elevated heart rate, numbness/tingling of the mouth and difficulty breathing.

Six-eyed sand spider

Found in deserts in southern Africa, the six-eyed sand spider ( Hexophthalma hahni ) buries itself in the sand to ambush unsuspecting prey. The small, stiff hairs that cover the spider helps to hold sand particles in place, adding to its camouflage. It's otherwise known as the six-eyed crab spider due to its crab-like legs.

Another arachnid that produces venom with necrotic effects, the six-eyed sand spider is the most venomous of any of its arachnid relatives, toxicology studies reveal. Scientists have found that there are proteins within their venom that can cause tissue destruction, blood vessel leakage, and thinning of the blood. No antivenom currently exists.

Mouse spider

Black in color with stocky, thick legs and a distinctively bulbous head and jaw regions, the mouse spider ( Missulena ) looks a lot more frightening than its name sounds. One species is located in Chile, another in South America and the rest distributed throughout Australia. They live in soil-covered burrows, popping out the hinged trapdoor top to attack prey.

Their hard, large fangs can cause a deep and very painful bite. However, while scientists believe that the venom of the mouse spider is very toxic, it is rarely injected. As so few cases have been reported, it is thought that mouse spiders don't use a lot of venom or may even "dry bite." Fortunately, funnel-web spider antivenom has proven effective in cases of mouse spider bite.

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