Can You Eat Venomous Spiders?
WouterWhile most spiders are harmless, there are some species that are venomous. The effects of a bite from a venomous spider can vary depending on the age of the spider and the health of the bitten person. In some cases, a spider’s bite can be fatal.
Venomous spiders use a fang-like apparatus to inject the poison into their prey. Some spiders wrap their prey in silk before injecting the venom. These techniques allow the spider to easily transport the prey back to its nest.
Spider venom can be very toxic, so the best way to keep from getting bitten is to stay away from them. There are six different types of poisonous spiders in the United States.
The largest and most dangerous of these spiders is the Goliath birdeater tarantula. It can weigh up to 175 grams, and its venom is comparable to that of a wasp’s sting. Although it mainly feeds on insects, it also hunts smaller animals.
Another venomous species is the brown recluse. This spider can cause infection and tissue damage. Its venom contains cytotoxins, which destroy cells and impair cell function.
Another spider with venom is the black widow. These spiders have a red hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomen. They are usually found in warmer parts of the world, including the southern United States. Their venom is extremely deadly to young children. If untreated, it can lead to serious neurological problems for children.
Finally, there is the yellow sac spider. Unlike the brown recluse and the black widow, the yellow sac does not have a complete red hourglass on its abdomen. However, it does have a variety of different venomous proteins.
