armor spider is the name given to different species of spiders belonging to the genus Phoneutria. They are so named for their ability to “arm” themselves when they feel threatened, raising their front legs and supporting themselves on their back legs. They are found in Central and South America, being observed throughout Brazil.
They are nocturnal animals and are often seen hiding in bromeliads, palm trees and banana trees. They can also hide in rubble, inside shoes and in furniture. Spider spiders are venomous, and their venom can be fatal in some cases. The Butantan Institute produces serum that can be used to treat poisoning by these animals.
Read more: Venomous spiders — the main ones are the brown spider, the black widow and the armored spider
Summary about armored spider
Armor spider is the name given to eight spiders belonging to the genus Phoneutria.
They get this popular name because they stand on their back legs and raise their front legs when they feel threatened.
They can be observed in
plants such as bromeliads and banana trees. They often hide in shoes, debris, logs and construction materials.Its venom is very potent and can even lead to death.
The Butantan Institute produces the serum antiarachnid used to treat people bitten by them.
What is an armor spider?
Armed spider is the name given to eight spiders belonging to the genus Phoneutria. They are found in Central and South America and have variable coloration, some being brown with a series of lighter spots on their abdomen. They reach up to 17 centimeters in length when adults, including their legs.
The armor spiders are agile and nocturnal species which can be found hidden in bromeliads, palm trees and banana trees. They can also be found hidden inside shoes, in furniture, logs, construction materials and debris. Because it hides in these places, reports of bites to the hands and feet are frequent.
Why does the armored spider have that name?
The armored spider is so called because, when it feels threatened, it stands on its hind legs, raises the front legs and shows its chelicerae, leaving visible the stingers, used to inject its powerful poison. Due to this threatening posture, spiders of the genus Phoneutria They became known as armadeiras.
What does the armored spider eat?
Many different species of animals are part of the spider spiders' diet, especially small invertebrates, such as insects and even other spiders.
Read more: Animal nutrition — each group has a different diet
Spider spider venom
The armored spider has a venom quite dangerous, which can even be fatal in some people. In general, her sting can provoke on site:
pain (mild to severe);
swelling;
redness of the skin;
burning;
numbness;
itch;
sweating.
Furthermore:
blurred vision;
pallor;
involuntary muscle contraction;
cardiac arrhythmia;
vomiting;
increased blood pressure.
The recommended treatment for spider spider bites is local application of anesthetics. In the most serious cases, the use of antiarachnid serum can be recommended. In Brazil, the only producer of this serum is the Butantan Institute. According to the Institute, it is indicated in the treatment of poisoning by Scorpion of the genre Tityus (yellow, brown or black scorpion), or by spiders of the genus Phoneutria (armor spider) or Loxosceles (Brown spider).
How to prevent accidents with spider spiders?
Firstly, it is important to highlight that identifying an armored spider is not always an easy task, as species of the genus Phoneutria very similar to species from other genera. Therefore, the best is to avoid contact with any kind of arachnid, and it is essential to never touch them.
To prevent accidents, it is recommended: keep gardens and yards always clean; wear shoes and gloves when gardening; seal door and window sills; shake out clothes and shoes before wearing them; Do not put your hand on logs, under rocks or rubble without first analyzing the area.
