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Writer's pictureMal Thompson

Spider Bite First Aid Profile

Updated: Jul 22

Australian Tarantulas

Danger Level: Medium


Non-fatal to humans. They can render painful bites because of their large fangs but severe effects such a vomiting and fever is very rare. They can however, be fatal to dogs.

Distribution: Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, some species can also be found as far down as Victoria.

Identification:

6cm body and up to 16 cm leg span Large fangs (1 cm long) Hairy Dark or light brown often with a silvery sheen


Behavior:

Their prey usually consists of insects, lizards and frogs and occasionally preys on bird hatchlings. Australian Tarantulas are also known as whistling or barking spiders because some species are able to make sounds by rubbing their front limbs against their jaws.

First Aid

Although large, Australian tarantulas are not usually aggressive, but if provoked will 'rear up' and appear rather menacing. The bite is painful, as the fangs are large and as long as those of many snakes. Severe illness sometimes results and nausea and vomiting for six to eight hours have been reported from bites.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.


Trap Door Spiders

Danger Level: Medium


Only causes minor symptoms such as localized pain, but sometimes nauseas, lethargy and malaise. Trap Door Spider bites are similar to a funnel-web spider bite and is therefore treated with the same precaution.

Distribution: Throughout Australia in natural and urban environments.

Identification:

1.5 to 3 cm long. Females are significant larger than males Males are more aggressive when threatened than females. Live in tunnels, often with circular shaped doors. Lifespan between 5-20 years

Behavior: Aggressive when threatened.


Bites and First Aid


Brown Trapdoor Spiders are often mistaken for Funnel-web spiders but their bites are not dangerous. Local pain and swelling may occur. Sigillate Trapdoor Spider bites may also cause local pain and swelling. There is one report of unspecified 'severe effects' from a Sigillate Trapdoor Spider bite.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Collect spider for a positive identification.

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