Brown spider is the popular name of spiders belonging to the genus Loxosceles. These spiders occur all over the world, including in Brazil, where 18 species can be observed. Brown spiders are of great importance to public health, as they cause accidents that can result in necrosis in the skin and in systemic manifestations.
They are small, brown spiders that produce irregular webs that look like cotton threads. They are more active at night and are considered less aggressive. Accidents generally happen when the spider is pressed against the victim's body, for example when wearing clothing where the spider is hidden.
Read too:What are venomous animals?
Summary about brown spider
Brown spider is a popular name used for different species of spiders of the genus Loxosceles.
They are spiders that have a small, brown body, a violin pattern on the cephalothorax and six eyes.
These are not aggressive spiders.
They are attracted to the dark and can be found hiding in furniture and shoes.
A brown spider bite is quite dangerous.
Poisoning by this spider is known as loxoscelism and can manifest itself in cutaneous loxoscelism and cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism.
In Brazil, the species of brown spider that cause the most accidents are: Loxosceles gaucho, Loxosceles intermedia It is Loxosceles laeta.
Characteristics of the brown spider
Brown spider is the common name used to refer to different species of spiders belonging to the genus Loxosceles. According to the Butantan Institute, so far, 134 species of brown spiders have been cataloged around the world. Brazil, according to the institute, officially has 18 species in its territory.
These spiders have body with brown color, which varies in shades, ranging from darkest to lightest. Like other spiders, they have a body divided into a cephalothorax and abdomen, and have a violin-shaped pattern on their cephalothorax. This pattern, however, cannot always be seen, due to the shade that some spiders acquire.
The brown spiders they are small spiders, measuring approximately 2 to 3 cm. Male spiders are smaller than females. Another striking characteristic of these animals is the presence of six eyes, which are distributed in three pairs.
These spiders are attracted to dark, dry areas, which makes it easier, for example, for them to build their webs in places such as behind furniture and inside cabinets. The webs of these spiders stand out for being irregular, resembling cotton threads. Those animals They are most active at night.
Although brown spiders are responsible for several accidents, they are not considered aggressive. Accidents with these animals generally occur when we put on a shoe and the spider is inside it or when the spider is pressed against the body by clothes or blankets/sheets.
See too: Armadillo spider — another species of spider that has very dangerous venom
Where do brown spiders live?
Brown spiders are found in several parts of the world, includingBrazil. They can be observed under bark and inside tree holes, under rocks, in caves, in natural cracks in ravines and in bamboo groves.
We cannot fail to mention that these spiders have a great capacity to colonize urban areas, thus being observed inside houses, where they hide behind furniture, doors, pictures, cracks in walls and under rubble.
Is a brown spider bite dangerous?
The bite of a brown spider is quite dangerous, although it is of little importance to most people. This is due to the fact that the pain from the sting is mild, which makes many think that it will not cause any major problems.
The brown spider produces a venom that has the ability to cause skin necrosis and even take the individualà death. Poisoning by this spider is known as loxoscelism and can manifest itself in cutaneous loxoscelism and cutaneous-visceral loxoscelism.
A cutaneous form of poisoning by the bite of the brown spider is more common, with symptoms generally localized, such as redness, burning and swelling. It is possible for blisters to appear at the site, which can evolve into necrosis, which will give rise to an ulcer that is difficult to heal.
A cutaneous-visceral form stands out for being more serious and also rarer. She may be responsible for causing anemia, jaundice and even insufficiency rIt isnal acute. The individual may also have muscle pain, convulsions, fever and sensory changes.
In Brazil, the species of brown spider that cause the most accidents are: Loxosceles gaucho, Loxosceles intermedia It is Loxosceles laeta.
Know more: It'scorpions I askanimals — animals that can cause serious accidents
What to do in cases of an accident with a brown spider?
Treatment of brown spider poisoning involves rest and use of painkillers. Applying cold compresses to the bite site can help relieve pain. Furthermore, hydration is recommended to avoid kidney damage and the use of antibiotics in cases of infections secondary. When anemia develops, a blood transfusion may be necessary. The use of serum antiloxoscelic is recommended in severe and moderate cases.
