Spiders

The Rave 1 and 2 trials showed that IM and IV redback antivenom is no better than placebo. Despite this in the rare severe envenomations some toxinologists may still recommend giving the patient 2 vials IV.

Although large, they are far from the largest spider in the world. Huntsman eat insects and can surprise you by hiding under a car visor or coming out of an air vent. Their venom is not dangerous to humans.

The Johnny Cash naming was because he always wore black and famously played at the prison. The Tarantella is a very enthusiastic dance. It is estimated that actually > 10,000 Tarantulas are captured to be pets every year in Qld--which is where 5 of the 6 Australian Tarantula species live.

Also known as the death head spider. It secretes a pheromone similar to that released by female moths. Male moths arrive and he swings a thread as in option 1. Only eats male moths.

The Goliath is 175gms. The Giant Huntsman is lighter but has longer legs. I made up the dinner plate spider of Ecuador.

131114 is lifeline----try 131126 which is Poisons information.

Funnel web toxins give a combination of cholinergic symptoms and adrenergic stimulation. Bilateral ptosis is an early sign in snake envenomation with a neurotoxic venom. Tongue fasiculations can be seen quite early in significant funnel web envenomations.

We see these day active orb weaving spiders everywhere. If you open their leaf they tend to bolt and use a silk string to get to the ground. Pretty spider if you see more than its legs.

Mouse spiders have similar toxins to a funnel web but only about 2.5% of bites are severe as compared to 10-25% of Funnel webs. Although rarely required Funnel web antivenom works against its venom. Chunky guy!!

In 2004---The TV show "Mythbusters" busted the fang myth. They managed to get a daddy long legs to bite through the skin and analysis of the venom is that it is very weak. Don't eat one---you wont die but surely you could find something else--like Sushi.