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Theraphosidae; Poecilotheria; Heteroscoda; Tlitocatl; Haplopelma (tarantula)
Images: [1,2]
Size: 4.75 inches long (12 cm), leg span 11 inches (28 cm)
Epidemiology:
- found tropical, subtropical & arid regions
- Haplopelma hainanum is a popular pet species [1]
- Gooty tarantula (Poecilotheri metallica) critically endangered Old World tarantula
- Old World tarantulas more aggressive with putatively more potent venom than New World tarantulas
Pathology:
- bite is painful, but not dangerous [1]
- muscle spasms, local histamine response, edema, erythema
- bite of Haplopelma hainanum induces inflammatory skin lesions [1]
- many tarantulas choose to inflict a dry bite, void of venom [1]
Pharmacology:
- Old World tarantula venom may have applications in pain management
Related
spider bite
General
spider
Properties
KINGDOM: animal
PHYLUM: arthropod
ORGANISM-CLASS: arachnid
References
- Grimm L
Medically Significant Spider Bites: Which to Watch Out For,
Medscape. July 25, 2023
https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/venomous-spiders-31606
- Wikipedia: Tarantula
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarantula