Spiders and Your Skin
All spiders possess fangs and practically all are venomous. Fortunately, the fangs of most spiders are not capable of penetrating human skin. Spiders are not aggressive and bite only in self-defense, though the black widow may attack those trespassing onto her web.
The most dangerous spiders in America are the black widow and the brown recluse. Both spiders are occasionally responsible for fatal bites. The black widow is found in every state except Alaska and is especially numerous in the rural South. Closely related spiders, found in various parts of the South and West, are known as the brown widow and red widow.
The brown recluse is most plentiful in the South-Central states ranging from Nebraska to Ohio in the north, to Georgia and Texas in the south. Especially common in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, this spider is being found living in a growing number of places, in part due. to its habit of hiding in furniture and dark closets; it frequently travels via a moving van along with household goods. Again, similar species are found in the Southwest.
Some fifty other species of spiders in the United States have been known to bite humans. The bite of the orb-weaver or garden spider, the trap door, running, or wolf spider, and the so-called banana spider can produce pain, swelling, redness, itching, and occasional blisters or sores. Systemic effects are rare.
The tarantula's reputation as a dangerous spider is probably based on its appearance, since the common tarantulas of the Southwest are docile and their bites are no worse than a bee sting.
The most dangerous spiders in America are the black widow and the brown recluse. Both spiders are occasionally responsible for fatal bites. The black widow is found in every state except Alaska and is especially numerous in the rural South. Closely related spiders, found in various parts of the South and West, are known as the brown widow and red widow.
The brown recluse is most plentiful in the South-Central states ranging from Nebraska to Ohio in the north, to Georgia and Texas in the south. Especially common in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, this spider is being found living in a growing number of places, in part due. to its habit of hiding in furniture and dark closets; it frequently travels via a moving van along with household goods. Again, similar species are found in the Southwest.
Some fifty other species of spiders in the United States have been known to bite humans. The bite of the orb-weaver or garden spider, the trap door, running, or wolf spider, and the so-called banana spider can produce pain, swelling, redness, itching, and occasional blisters or sores. Systemic effects are rare.
The tarantula's reputation as a dangerous spider is probably based on its appearance, since the common tarantulas of the Southwest are docile and their bites are no worse than a bee sting.
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