HOW MANY SPECIES OF SPIDERS PRODUCE VENOM?
Except for one family, all species produce venom to immobilize or kill their prey. A pair of glands is responsible for producing poison, secreted through a small opening at the tip of the fang.
The most dangerous spiders in the world include:
- Funnel-web spiders (Hadronyche and Atrax species) found in Australia, whose venom causes breathing problems that can lead to a coma within 10-15 minutes after the bite;
- Brown Recluse (Loxosceles species) spider, usually found in dark corners in America, whose venom can result in vomiting, fever, and shivers;
- Black widow spider that thrives in hot climates, whose bite may cause death.
Other dangerous spiders include Banana spiders (Phoneutria species) found in South America, whose venom is hazardous if injected in sufficient amounts; and the Redback spiders and their relations (Latrodectus species) found in Australia, whose bite is dangerous to the very young and old people. Tarantula spiders are large and frighten many people because of their hairy bodies, but they are harmless to humans.
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