Handbook of Medical EntomologyRiley, William A. (William Albert)
Science
Handbook of Medical Entomology
Riley, William A. (William Albert)
Insect pests; Insects as carriers of disease; Medical parasitology
OTHER VENOMOUS SPIDERS--While conclusive evidence regarding the venomous
nature of spiders is meager and relates almost wholly to that of the
genus _Latrodectus_, the group is a large one and we are not justified
in dismissing arbitrarily, all accounts of injury from their bites.
Several species stand out as especially needing more detailed
investigation.
_Chiracanthium nutrix_ is a common European species of the family
Clubionidæ, concerning which there is much conflicting testimony. Among
the reports are two by distinguished scientists whose accounts of
personal experiences cannot be ignored. A. Forel allowed a spider of
this species to bite him and not only was the pain extreme, but the
general symptoms were so severe that he had to be helped to his house.
The distinguished arachnologist, Bertkau reports that he, himself, was
bitten and that an extreme, burning pain spread almost instantaneously
over the arm and into the breast. There were slight chills the same day
and throbbing pain at the wound lasted for days. While this particular
species is not found in the United States, there are two other
representatives of the genus and it is possible that they possess the
same properties. We are unaware of any direct experimental work on the
poison.
_Epeira diadema_, of Europe, belongs to a wholly different group, that
of the orb-weavers, but has long been reputed venomous. Kobert was able
to prepare from it an extract whose effects were very similar to that
prepared from _Latrodectus_, though feebler in its action. Under
ordinary circumstances this spider is unable to pierce the skin of man
and though Kobert's results seem conclusive, the spider is little to be
feared.
_Phidippus audax_ (_P. tripunctatus_) is one of our largest Attids, or
jumping spiders. The late Dr. O. Lugger describes a case of severe
poisoning from the bite of this spider and though details are lacking,
it is quite possible that this and other large species of the same
group, which stalk their prey, may possess a more active poison than
that of web-building species.
SUMMARY--It is clearly established that our common spiders are not to be
feared and that the stories regarding their virulence are almost wholly
without foundation. On the other hand, the chances of secondary
infection from the bites of some of the more powerful species are not to
be ignored.
Probably all species possess a toxin secreted by the poison gland,
virulent for insects and other normal prey of the spiders, but with
little or no effect on man.
There are a very few species, notably of the genus _Latrodectus_, and
possibly including the European _Chiracanthium nutrix_ and _Epeira
diadema_, which possess, in addition, a toxalbumen derived from the
general body tissue, which is of great virulence and may even cause
death in man and the higher animals.
[Illustration: 10. A whip-scorpion (Mastigoproctus giganteus). Half
natural size. After Comstock.]
THE PEDIPALPIDA OR WHIP-SCORPIONS
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account