Brazilian Wandering Spider

Moderately large in size, the Brazilian wandering spider is the most venomous species of all arachnids. So, do not be in the impression that the scary looking, biggest spider in the world poses maximum threat to humans. In size, the body length of this wandering spider measures approximately 0.7-1.9 inch, while its leg span is about 5 inch. Putting Brazilian wandering spider for sale is less likely. With attributes like fast-moving, territorial, aggressive and venomous, this spider is not worthy to rear as a pet.

Interesting Brazilian Wandering Spider Facts

The name wandering spider is coined with reference to the fact that this spider roams the forest at nighttime in search of its food. Upon sighting a prey, the Brazilian wandering spider paralyzes it by envenomation. Also, this poisonous spider is known by the common names, banana spider and armed spider. Banana spider is named because it is often spotted hiding on banana plants in the rainforests. Facts about Brazilian wandering spider, which you will find interesting are given below.

Classification
The Brazilian wandering spider was spotted for the first time in the Amazon rainforests. Later studies found that it inhabits the thick forests of Central and South America. The Brazilian wander spider is grouped under the genus Phoneutria of the family Ctenidae. The genus encompasses eight species, of which the most poisonous spider is represented by the scientific name P. nigriventer.

Description
If you already know how to identify a spider, look for the key features for identifying Brazilian wandering spider. When disturbed, this spider adopts a characteristic standing posture to scare away the predators. It stands on its hind legs, putting the front legs on air and swinging back and forth. Another identifiable character is the fangs, characterized by growth of scarlet red hair over them. Due to physical resemblances, it is often confused with the members of Cupiennius genus.

Diet
This wandering spider doesn't sit and wait for preys to get trapped in its web. Rather it hunts in forest and tall trees during nighttime. So, what do Brazilian wandering spiders eat? Similar to other spiders, the diet of an adult Brazilian wandering spider consists of crickets and other larger insects. It can devour small lizards, mice and other crawling creatures. The spiderlings hunt and eat smaller insects.

Toxicity
Brazilian wandering spider venom contains the neurolysin, PhTx3 (or phoneutria nigriventer toxin-3). It affects the neural tissues, thereby blocking the calcium channel and impairing glutamate function. In humans, this toxin causes loss of muscle control, severe pain, difficulty in breathing and ultimately, death due to oxygen deprivation. If bite by this type of spider is left unattended, death may occur within 25 minutes. In case, prompt spider bite treatment with antivenom is received immediately, recovery is achieved within one week.

Bite Incidence
Being recorded as the world's most poisonous spider species, you can predict the severity of spider Brazilian wandering spider bite. Yes, it is believed to cause maximum human deaths than any other species of spider. As it has a tendency to hide in dark corners during daytime, accidents happen when people disturb this spider and get bitten. However, there is no clear data about the number of fatalities caused by this poisonous spider.

Confusion
According to recent researches, the Brazilian wandering spider injects venom in just one-third of its bites. Of the total spider bites recorded, the amount of venom injected is very low in 30 percent cases. On the other hand, there are other poisonous spiders that inject toxin every time they bite. Thus, the record for the most dangerous spider is not justified truly with Brazilian wandering spider.

Increased publicity about this spider as the most poisonous species is partly due to its wandering nature. While searching for hiding places, sometimes Brazilian wandering spider lands on anything that comes on its way, may be log piles, between banana fruits, closets, cars and other dark areas. Also, there are reports suggesting the presence of Brazilian wander spider in between banana bunches that are sold in groceries. So, do not underestimate any large spider found amongst banana fruits and plants.