Facts About Deadly Banana Spiders

‘Banana spiders’ are deadly and highly venomous. It helps to stay informed about these harmful insects in order to stay protected. The species are of two different natures whose scientific names are ‘Phoneutria’, which is found in Central and South America, and the other is ‘Nephila Clavipes’, which is found in North America. Among both species, the first is more deadly and poisonous than the second. Bananenspinne, Wandering Spider, and Kammspinne are the other names by which phoneutria species are also known.

South American banana spiders, also known as ‘phoneutria’, are the most dangerous. They are 1.3 inches long and quite large and aggressive. Although dense rainforests are their primary home, they can also be located in cities. From 1970 to 1980, this spider caused the hospitalization of about 7,000 people in southeastern Brazil.

This species of banana spider has venom that acts as a neurotoxic in the nervous system of the human body. These venoms are equivalent to the venoms of ‘red back spiders’, also known as ‘black widows’. If a phoneutria bites, immediate medical attention should be provided. This is because the antidote has yet to be found to cure the poison. The symptoms of this spider bite are cold sweat, pain and irregular heartbeat.

North American ‘Nephila Clavipes’ banana spiders have venom similar to ‘black widow’ venom, but their venom is not as harmful as ‘black widow’ venom. These spiders have a stretched, banana-shaped body and their color is also black and yellow. The body of female spiders is large, with a length of around 1.1 inches or 33 cm, while the male counterparts are about half the size of the females.

These North American spiders generally prefer sunny areas and are found in tall trees. They tend to build their network through paths and they cover a fairly large area in the shape of an orb. They are golden in color and are quite stronger than other spider webs.

Some of the other names for this spider are: the ‘golden orb weaver’ or the ‘writer spider’. It is sometimes confusing to distinguish between the yellow and black ‘garden spider’ and this North American spider. The garden spider is also called a ‘writing spider’ because its web has a crisscross pattern. This spider may not be very harmful, but it is advisable to consult a doctor if it bites you because it can cause some allergic reactions, which can be fatal.