Phoneutria

2004-10-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

It is my favorite spider!

Classification: Arthropoda; Arachnida; Araneae; Araneomorphae; Ctenidae; Phoneutria.

Species: Phoneutria nigriventer; P. boliviensis; P. reidyi; P. bahiensis; P. keyserlingi; P. fera; P. colombiana.

Common names: "Armed Spider", "Banana Spider", "Wandering Spiders", "South American Wandering Spider".
The name "Banana Spider" was given because it usually found in banana trees, banana bunches and there have been cases where these spiders unintentionally appeared on banana boats heading for the United States and Europe.

Geographical distribution: These spiders are restricted to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America.

Habitat: Hidden under logs, banana trees, banana bunches, palm trees, dark places, among construction materials and it can be also found inside the shoes, behind the furniture, etc.

Habits: It does not remain on a web; it has nocturnes habits hidden itself during the day in dark places; at night it wanders through the forest floor and trees;

Size: Their medium body length is 3.5 cm and the total length can reach 15.0 cm.

Morphology: It has eight eyes disposed in three lines: 2-4-2 (Fig. 01; 02; 03);

Figure 01: Phoneutria nigriventer

Figure 02: Phoneutria fera

Figure 03: Phoneutria nigriventer

The body is usually covered by brown or yellow short hair (Fig. 04; 05);

Figure 04: Phoneutria nigriventer

Figure 05: Phoneutria fera

The dorsum has patters formed by pairs of light spots disposed in longitudinal bands and oblique lines of minor spot towards the lateral side (Fig. 06; 07);

Figure 06: Phoneutria nigriventer

Figure 07: Phoneutria nigriventer

Characteristics: Their temperament is aggressive, nervous and it is highly agile too. When it is disturbed, it assumes a characteristic position. It stands up on their hindlimb keeping the front legs raised following the aggressor's movements looking for the defense on attack (Fig. 08). It is considered the most dangerous spider in Brazil and responsible for high numbers of spiders envenoming registered in Brazil.

Figure 08: Phoneutria nigriventer

Poison: It contains extremely toxic venom with the potential danger. The immediate effects are intense local pain and edema followed by severe, painful and potentially life-threatening systemic effects such as arrythmic heartbeat, clotting inhibition, priapism, pulmonary edema, and vomiting.

Diet: Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, small lizards, and pinkie mice.

In Brazil, you need to have an IBAMA's permission to create this kind of dangerous spider. The Banana Spider should be held with the highest respect for those who manage to obtain one of these deadly spiders, I recommend you never touch it (Fig. 09) and always remain vigilant and don't get bitten!

Figure 09: Phoneutria fera

First Post !!

2004-10-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about spiders !!

# Poisonous Brazilian Spiders #

Phoneutria

First Post !!