Spiders are not insects per se, but a distinct class of animals — the Arachnids. They all have eight legs, and they have neither wings nor antennae.
Often the source of an irrational fear called arachnophobia, spiders are nevertheless essential in the animal kingdom. As predators, they play a major role in regulating insects. In your home, they can even be allies in trapping mosquitoes.
Slideshow: the most dangerous spiders
Very few spiders pose a danger to humans. Only about 200 known species have a bite that can affect a person, and about twenty present a real danger. About ten deaths are recorded each year from spider bites — some species kill more than the spiders themselves.
Here are five of the most dangerous spiders to humans: a slideshow that is fascinating… or frightening?
Chinese wolf spider
The Chinese wolf spider belongs to the Lycosidae family, also known as tarantulas. Females carry their young on their backs. The bite of this spider is not lethal, but can cause a locally necrotizing sting.
Dangerous spiders: the black widow
The legendary name black widow designates several spiders. The black widow called Latrodectus mactans comes from North America. It is small in size and has a red marking on its globular abdomen.
The name black widow comes from the fact that the female eats the male after mating; however this is not systematic.
Its bite releases a toxic venom that causes muscle spasms, neurological disturbances, headaches and nausea. Its bite is very rarely fatal, but can lead to health problems in the most sensitive individuals: children, the elderly, or those with heart conditions.
Dangerous spiders: Atrax robustus
The Atrax robustus is the best-known tarantula, and the only deadly tarantula. It is an endemic species of Australia. It can be found in homes; it is particularly common in the Sydney suburbs.
The Atrax Robustus is one of the most dangerous spiders for humans. However, if it is deadly for primates and humans, it remains harmless for other animals.
Fatal accidents are caused by the males, who become aggressive during mating and may bite if disturbed in their hide. An antivenin can prevent most complications if administered within an hour.
Dangerous spiders: the brown recluse
The brown recluse belongs to the family of Loxosceles. It is found in the United States, mainly in the Southeast states. It measures less than 10 mm and has slender legs. It is also called the violin spider because of the shape of its body.
The brown recluse is not aggressive, but can bite if attacked. Its bite is very painful: its venom destroys arteries and veins, and can cause tissue necrosis. If not treated promptly, its bite can be fatal.
Dangerous spiders: the banana spider
The Phoneutria fera is nicknamed the banana spider because it is found in banana plantations, mainly in Brazil.
The bite of the banana spider can be dangerous, even though in 422 cases of envenomations in Brazil, only two young children died. Its venom can cause nausea, vomiting and nervous system disturbances that can lead to death. It can also cause in humans a long and painful erection!
