The Life of Animals | Brazilian wandering spider | The genus Phoneutria (Greek for "Murderess") contains eight scientifically described species. The Brazilian wandering spiders can grow to have a leg span of up to 13-15 cm (4-5 in). Two species (P. reidyi and P. boliviensis) are found from southern Central America to the Amazon region, while one species (P. Fera) is restricted to the Amazon. The remaining species are restricted to Atlantic Forest of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, Including forest fragments in the Cerrado (savannah). In Brazil, Phoneutria is only absent in the Northeastern region north of Salvador, Bahia. Phoneutria has been introduced to Chile and Uruguay.
Phoneutria includes some of the Relatively few species of spiders known to present a threat to Human Beings. Danger to Humans is not merely a question of toxicity, but requires the capacity to deliver the venom, a sufficient quantity of venom, a disposition Likely That makes a bite and proximity to human habitation. Spider mouthparts are adapted to envenomate very small prey; They are not well-adapted to attacking Large Mammals Such as Humans. A study in March 2009 Suggests That Phoneutria inject venom in approximately one-third of Their bites, and only a small quantity in one-third of Those cases.
Of the eight-described species, P. nigriventer and P. Fera most frequently receive mention in mass-media publications. The species P. Fera is native to the northern portion of South America in the Amazon of Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and the Guyanas. The spider's wandering nature is another reason it is so dangerous Considered. In densely populated areas, Phoneutria species usually search for cover and dark places to hide during daytime, leading it to hide within houses, clothes, cars, boots, boxes and log piles, Thus Spake generating accidents when people disturb it. Its other common name, "banana spider", comes from its Tendency to hide in banana bunches on Plantations, and it is occasionally found as a Stowaway within shipments of bananas. These spiders can also Appear in banana crates sent to grocery stores and bulk food centers around the world.
One study suggested That only 2.3 percent of bites (mainly in children) were serious enough to require antivenom.However, other studies, as cited in the studies Bücherl Wolfgang, That showed the toxicity of Phoneutria venom Cleary was more virulent than both Latrodectus and Atrax . Many experts believe That Various Phoneutria spiders can deliver like a "dry" bite to purposely conserve Their venom, as opposed to a more primitive like spider Atrax That usually delivers a full load. In one case, a single spider killed two children in São Sebastião. The spider was Positively Identified as a Phoneutria by Wolfgang Bücherl
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