Tarantula Spider Toxicity

Authors

Erwin Kong MD, HCA HealthcareFollow
Kristopher K. Hart

Division

Far West

Hospital

Riverside Community Hospital

Document Type

Review Article

Publication Date

5-31-2020

Keywords

spider venoms, urticating hairs, pruritus, allergic reaction, hypersensitivity, biological toxins

Disciplines

Biological Factors | Immune System Diseases

Abstract

Tarantulas are well known to be the largest spiders in the world. Contrary to popular belief, tarantulas are not one species of arachnid. There are over 900 different species that comprise the family Theraphosidae within the Mygolamorphae suborder, which itself includes over 2500 species of arachnid. Tarantulas can be found endemically in tropical and subtropical regions around the world and are popular as pets. While all tarantulas have venom, new world tarantulas additionally have urticating hairs located on their abdomen. Exposure to these hairs can cause intense inflammatory reactions.

Publisher or Conference

StatPearls

Recommended Citation

Kong EL, Hart KK. Tarantula Spider Toxicity. [Updated 2020 May 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557667/