With their impressive size and hunting skills, it’s no wonder that fishing spiders have long been a source of fascination for both scientists and the general public.
However, there is some debate over whether or not fishing spiders can be poisonous. So in this article, we will explore that very topic and also talk about what would happen if you were bitten by one of these spiders.
Are Fishing Spiders Poisonous To Humans?
The simple answer to this question is no! fishing spiders are not poisonous to humans. While these spiders can deliver a painful bite, their venom is not strong enough to cause any serious harm to people.
In fact, the majority of people who are bitten by fishing spiders do not experience any symptoms. In some rare cases, however, bites from these spiders can lead to minor swelling and redness around the area of the bite.
For the most part, fishing spiders pose no threat to humans! So, if you see one of these spiders near your home, there is no need to be alarmed.
While fishing spiders are not poisonous to humans, they can pose a risk to small pets. however, it’s very unlikely that they will kill a cat or dog, more like a small mouse or hamster!
In fact, fishing spiders have been known to attack and kill small mammals, such as rodents, and frogs, but to cats or dogs, they are harmless.
However, if you see a fishing spider, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your pet just to be on the safe side!
Important: If you have a small pet like a hamster and it’s been bitten by a fishing spider, always seek medical attention asap!
To give you an idea of the size of prey this fishing spider can take down below is a video from (national geographic) showing how powerful these spiders actually are!
Are Fishing Spiders Poisonous To Eat?
No, fishing spiders are not poisonous to eat. when a spider dies its venom becomes inactive, so it is perfectly safe to eat a fishing spider.
In fact, many cultures around the world consider spiders to be a delicacy. In some parts of Africa and Asia, fried spiders are considered a tasty treat.
In Thailand, for instance, fried spiders are often sold as street food, and in China. There are even restaurants where live spiders are served in a variety of dishes. So, if you’re ever feeling brave enough to try one, don’t worry – they won’t poison you!
Signs of Aggressive
Even though fishing spiders are not poisonous to humans, they can be aggressive if threatened. In fact, female fishing spiders will show aggression towards their potential mates!
If you see a fishing spider that is acting aggressively, it could be because there is a potential mate nearby! If this is the case it’s important to leave the area and give the spider some space.
Some of the signs of an aggressive fishing spider include rearing up on its hind legs, flicking its pedipalps (or small leg-like appendages), and making a hissing sound.
Bite Symptoms
When it comes to spiders, there are few that create as much fear and dread as the fishing spider. With their large size and aggressive nature, these spiders can be a real menace, especially if they decide to strike.
So, what exactly are the symptoms of a fishing spider bite? Well, as before fishing spiders can deliver a painful bite and in most cases, symptoms will appear within a few minutes.
Symptoms May Include:
Skin can become red and swollen
Burning, and itching
Slight pain
However, for most people, fishing spider bites are not serious, and the symptoms usually disappear after a day or two!
If you are unlucky enough to experience a fishing spider bite, you can treat the bite yourself by washing the area with soap and water (use ointment if necessary).
In most cases, these simple home remedies will be enough to ease any discomfort and help the bite heal quickly.
Identifying A Fishing Spider
Fishing spiders have large, grey, and brown bodies that can grow up to three inches in length. They have eight eyes and eight legs that can stretch up to 7cm.
Fishing spiders also have black and light-brown markings on their body, with brown and black rings on the legs. Their eyes are also arranged in horizontal rows of four very similar to a wolf spider.
Black and light-brown markings on their body
Brown and black rings on the legs
Eyes are also arranged in horizontal rows of four
Fishing spiders are most commonly found near ponds, lakes, and streams. However, they can also be found in gardens, fields, and forests. In some cases, they may even enter homes in search of food or shelter.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Fishing spiders are not poisonous to humans and their bites typically only cause minor discomfort. However, if you see one it’s not a good idea to provoke it as they will strike if they feel threatened.
If you’ve found this article to be very informative, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more information on spiders!
About the author
Mike Wallace
Spiders Planet is the ultimate source of information about spiders! All the articles on this site will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information written by me and a group of writers, that is well-researched and fact-checked before it’s published.
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