Crab spiders are invertebrate animals of the Arthropod group, with about 900 described species. Although they are poisonous, they do not pose serious problems for man.
The crabs are the largest known spiders, they can reach up to 26 cm in wingspan. An example of a crab is the Theraposa blondi, known as “bird eater”, as it can in fact consume an entire bird. It is considered the largest arachnid in the world and is found in the Amazon region.
Theraposa blondi
Learn more about Arachnids.
General features
The main characteristic of crabs is the presence of stinging hairs on the abdomen, which can break loose from their bodies and penetrate the skin of their predators. Thus, the stinging hairs are used for active and passive defense of the crabs.
In addition to the stinging hairs, the body and legs of crab spiders are covered with bristles, which have a sensory function. The coloration of crabs varies from brown to black.
Crab spiders are found on the ground, where they nest in holes and in fallen tree trunks. Other species can be arboreal, living in trees or bromeliads.
The crabs have nocturnal and sedentary habits. Males are active in the reproductive period, when they look for females. These animals can take up to 10 years to reach sexual maturity. After that, females can live up to two decades, males live less.
As for food, it is composed of insects and small vertebrates.
Poison and accidents with crab spiders
Crab spider accidents are not considered serious. Despite having poison, this does not present complications to man. However, the bite is quite painful.
Accidents are usually related to the stinging hairs of crabs. In contact with the skin, they can cause irritation, burning and a burning sensation.
The stinging hairs can also penetrate the airways and eyes causing itching. In the eyes can cause severe keratitis, inflammation of the cornea. In this situation, scratching your eyes can aggravate the situation as the hair penetrates and spreads further.
THE Brown spider and spider armada they also cause accidents with humans.
Curiosities
- Crab spiders are highly sought after by breeders, due to their color, size and behavior;
- In some countries, crabs are bred as pets.
Also read about Venomous animals.