The biggest spider in the world found dead was Nephila Jurassica. This species lived in the Middle Jurassic period roughly 165 million years ago. The fossil of Nephila was discovered in a rock in Northeastern China. The fossil was 2 inches long with a leg span of six inches.
Over 43000 species of spiders are found across the world, and only 30 of them are responsible for human deaths. So, generally, spiders aren’t as deadly as they are considered, but still, it’s better to be cautious. But, “ death by spider bite” is something very rare.
You might be wondering why some spiders are more harmful to humans. The reason is that the purpose of spider venom is to paralyze small animals and capture their prey. But sometimes, if a spider bites a human, it can cause skin lesions in people who are sensitive to allergens, and the situation gets a little worse if medical treatment isn’t provided timely.
All thanks to God that today hospitals have antivenin or antitoxins on hand to treat spider bites immediately.
In today’s article, we’ll be discussing the biggest spider in the world that was found dead and the most venomous snakes. So, let’s get started.
Are Tarantulas Poisonous?
Yes, tarantulas are poisonous as well as venomous, but the risk of humans being poisoned by tarantulas is low. You’ll get poisoned by tarantulas only if you intimate them. Moreover, Tarantul uses their poison to capture their prey. The intensity of their venom is low. You can relate it to a bee sting. It causes mild redness and swelling.
Poisonous Spiders:
You might be surprised to know that spiders are among the list of most feared animals worldwide. But does the spider deserve this designation? Are they really the most dangerous or scary? To get answers to all your queries, buckle up as we’re diving into the world of the 12 most poisonous and venomous snakes in the world and debunk some of the myths associated with spiders. Here you go:
- Sydney Funnel-web Spider
- Yellow Sac Spider
- Brazilian Wandering Spider
- Wolf Spider
- Redback Spider
- Lycosa Tarantula
- Brown Recluse Spider
- Chilean Recluse
- Southern Black Widow
- Brown Widow Spider
- Mouse Spiders
- White-tailed Spiders
Most Venomous Spiders:
You might be surprised to know that despite many spiders being venomous, no spider species can exactly be labelled as deadly. Yes, it’s true that a few people have died because of spider bites, but it’s extremely rare, roughly 3 deaths per year. Hence, we can say that truly deadly spiders that can kill just one bite exist in movies only. You don’t need to fear the spider that much. Relax!
Sydney Funnel-web Spider:
Sydney Funnel-web Spider
Scientific Name: Atrax Robustus
Sydney Funnel-web Spider is native to Sydney, as evidenced by the name. It’s known as “ The World Deadliest Spider”. However, the title is probably unfair and kind of dramatic. Though the spider has very potent venom, and that might be lethal to humans, it has bitten a few people. Surprisingly, no death has been recorded by this spider as an antivenom was developed against it in 1980.
Though no death has been caused, and antivenom also developed against the Sydney Funnel-web Spider, it’s still considered the world’s most deadly spider.
One reason behind this might be that the venom of the Sydney Funnel-web Spider has a neurotoxin that directly acts on the nervous system. It causes envenomation that includes severe pain, muscles cramp, twitching and breathing difficulties.
Yellow Sac Spider:
Yellow Sac Spider
Scientific Name:, Cheiracanthium inclusum
Yellow arc spiders belong to the family Clubinoids. They are 3 to 15mm long. They are found in the United States and Mexico. The spider’s venom is a cytotoxin. It’s a substance that destroys a cell and disrupts its functions. It causes necrotizing lesions. But the lesions occur rarely. The common symptoms of yellow space spider bite are redness and swelling.
Brazilian Wandering Spider:
Brazilian Wandering Spider
Scientific Name: Phoneutria genus
Brazilian wandering spiders are impressively big sized spiders. They are among the world’s biggest spiders and are also known as banana spiders. It’s because of their habit of hiding in dark, moist places, especially within the leaves of banana plants.
It also produces a lethal venom but not as deadly as you might expect. The Brazilian spider is wise and intelligent. It uses its venom only when needed. It generally bites without delivering its full venom or only a little venom.
A study suggests that only 2.3% of known bites were severe enough to require antivenom treatment. Also, there are few deaths reported in children.
Wolf Spider:
Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders don’t mean the wolf of spider world but because of their wolf-like habits of chasing and pouncing on prey. They are found throughout the world.
The species range in size from small to medium. The longest wolf spider has a length of 2.5 cm, nearly 1 inch. They are dark brown and have hairy bodies.
Although it’s considered an aggressive species, it doesn’t attack until intimated. Wolf spiders are venomous, but luckily their bites aren’t considered dangerous. People who’re generally allergic to spider bites may feel nausea, dizziness and increased heart rate. The strong bite and the speed of the spider can be unsettling, and the victim may experience panic.
Redback Spider:
Redback Spider
Also known as the Australian black widow, it’s notoriously dangerous. You might be shocked to know that in history, the redback spider has been responsible for more envenomations that require antivenom treatment than any other animal in Australia.
The redback spider also has a neurotoxin in its venom that directly affects the nervous system. It causes symptoms like intense pain, vomiting and sweating.
A quick tidbit: Latrodectism syndrome is a combination of symptoms caused by Latrodectus species. The symptoms include intense pain, vomiting, muscle twitching, sweating etc.
Once again, no matter how much you hate this spider, it’s very unlikely that it will kill you. Sadly, only one person has been killed by its venom after the antivenom has developed.
Lycosa Tarantula:
Lycosa Tarantula
Don’t let the name deceive you. The species isn’t tarantula. Actually, tarantulas belong to the family Theraphosidae, to which Lycosa doesn’t belong. In fact, it belongs to the wolf spider family, so it’s better to name it the Tarantula wolf spider. They are a group of solitary and agile hunters.
They are added to the list of most venomous snakes because they produce venom, and their fangs can cause both a nasty wound infection and considerable panic from victims. But you don’t need to worry as the bite isn’t much more painful than a bee sting and not particularly toxic.
Brown Recluse Spider:
Brown Recluse Spider
Scientific Name: Loxosceles reclusa
The spider is notorious for its venom, which isn’t dangerous in reality. It’s found in the SouthEastern United States. The majority of the bites caused by brown recluse spiders don’t require treatment and can heal easily with no trouble.
However, there is something dangerous associated with this spider, and that is “Injury dermonecrotic arachnidism”. This injury is caused by its necrotic venom. A study suggests that roughly 37% of cases of brown recluse spider bites resulted in skin necrosis around the wound. The necrosis includes blisters, gangrene and skin sloughing. Unfortunately!!!
Chilean Recluse:
Chilean Recluse
Scientific Name: Loxosceles laeta
Now, this is something actually huge and venomous and can be deadly. It’s a South American relative of a brown recluse. It also has necrotic properties. The venom of Chilean recluse also causes “ injury dermonecrotic arachnidism”. And surprisingly, it’s more severe than brown recluse.
In 15% of cases of Chilean recluse bite, systemic visceral loxoscelism can occur. It results in the rupture of red blood cells, kidney failure and eventually death.
Southern Black Widow:
Southern Black Widow
Scientific Name: Latrodectus mactans
The list of most venomous snakes is incomplete without the southern black widow. It’s an iconic and much-feared spider. The southern black widow isn’t just a species but a large genus that’s found on every continent of the world, including Antarctica. This particular spider is native to North America.
These spiders are social. Meaning they make their homes near people. They spin their strong webs in dark corners of buildings. The frequent interaction with humans results in a large number of bites. However, no need to fear because although the venom does affect humans, the effects aren’t serious. Unfortunately, even if you’re bitten, you’ll be likely fine.
The mature females are a bit scary; they can inject venom into humans, but luckily, it’s not that severe. Some deaths have been reported from the bites of this spider, but the cases are rare. The bites might be dangerous for people with weak immune systems, such as very young or old ones.
Brown Widow Spider:
Brown Widow Spider
Scientific Name: Latrodectus geometricus
It’s found worldwide and is a relative of the black widow. They are known as geometricus because of the beautiful geometric patterns found on their abdomens. Though named brown, they can be anywhere from tan brown to grey to black. They are smaller in size.
The Brown widow spider also has a potent neurotoxic venom, but it’s relatively less dangerous because it cannot inject the same amount of bite.
Surprisingly, they are included in the list of invasive spiders in the US and a threat to native black widow species.
Mouse Spiders:
Mouse Spiders
Scientific Name: Missulena Genus
You might be wondering what mouse spider means in the world. The first thought that crosses your mind might be that maybe they resemble mouse, but the answer is no. Then you might wonder, maybe these spiders prey on mouse, that’s why they are known as mouse spiders. I would say, once again, no.
As a matter of fact, they are known as mouse spiders because of a disproven belief that they can dig deep burrows like mice. They can dig burrows upto 30 cm and live in them. But, it’s not quite mouse-like.
The spiders have a grey fury abdomen, which might be the reason behind their name. They can induce a strong venomous bite. Though their venom is very potent, they’re not very dangerous. The spiders aren’t aggressive, and sometimes they can cause dry bites without any venom.
White-tailed Spiders:
White-tailed Spiders
Scientific Name: Lampona cylindrata
As the name implies, they have whitish tips at the end of their furry abdomen. They are found in Australia. They are notorious because their potent is gone, while in reality, they’re not actually dangerous to humans.
The species is suspected of causing “Gruesome Necrotic Ulcer” and “ Flesh Eating Monsters”, but no scientific evidence supports these myths. A White-tailed spider bite results in localised swelling, itching and pain.
Conclusion:
Ta-da, we discussed the biggest spider in the world that was found dead and the most venomous spiders across the world.
