The Brazilian wandering spider, scientifically known as Phoneutria, is one of the most venomous spiders in the world. Found primarily in South and Central America, this spider is notorious for its potent venom and the unique effects of its bite, particularly on humans. This article explores the effects of a Brazilian wandering spider bite, its impact on men and women, its association with priapism, and other key aspects of this fascinating yet dangerous arachnid.
Brazilian Wandering Spider: Size and Special Features
The Brazilian wandering spider is a large, aggressive species with a body size ranging from 17 to 48 millimeters (0.7 to 1.9 inches) and a leg span that can reach up to 18 centimeters (7 inches). Unlike many spiders, Phoneutria species do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they are active hunters, roaming the forest floor at night in search of insects, small rodents, and other spiders. Their name “wandering spider” reflects this nomadic behavior.
Special features of the Brazilian wandering spider include:
- Threat Display: When threatened, the spider raises its front legs, spreads its chelicerae (mouthparts), and displays vibrant warning colors, often revealing red hairs on its fangs.
- Speed and Agility: These spiders are fast and agile, capable of quick movements to evade or attack.
- Highly Toxic Venom: The venom contains a complex mix of neurotoxins, particularly PhTx3, which affects the nervous system and can cause severe symptoms in humans.
Can a Brazilian Wandering Spider Kill You?
Yes, a Brazilian wandering spider bite can be fatal, though deaths are rare due to the availability of antivenom and medical intervention. The venom is highly neurotoxic and can cause systemic effects, including severe pain, muscle spasms, respiratory distress, and, in extreme cases, cardiovascular collapse. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe outcomes. Prompt medical treatment, including antivenom, significantly reduces the likelihood of death.
Effects of a Brazilian Wandering Spider Bite on Men
When a Brazilian wandering spider bites a man, the effects can be severe and multifaceted due to the venom’s neurotoxic properties. Common symptoms include:
- Intense Pain: Localized pain at the bite site, often radiating to surrounding areas.
- Swelling and Redness: The bite area may become swollen, red, and warm.
- Systemic Symptoms: These include sweating, tremors, nausea, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.
- Priapism: A notable and unique effect in men is priapism, a prolonged and painful erection lasting more than four hours, unrelated to sexual stimulation. This occurs due to the venom’s effect on nitric oxide pathways, which regulate blood flow to the penis.
Brazilian Wandering Spider Erection Symptoms
Priapism caused by a Brazilian wandering spider bite is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:
- A persistent, painful erection lasting several hours.
- Swelling and tenderness in the genital area.
- Potential tissue damage if untreated, leading to complications like erectile dysfunction.
Brazilian Wandering Spider Erection Treatment
Treating priapism from a Brazilian wandering spider bite requires immediate medical attention. Treatment options include:
- Antivenom: Administered in severe cases to neutralize the venom and reduce systemic symptoms.
- Aspiration: A procedure to remove blood from the penis to relieve pressure and reduce the erection.
- Medications: Drugs like phenylephrine may be injected to constrict blood vessels and reverse the erection.
- Supportive Care: Pain management and monitoring for systemic symptoms like hypertension or respiratory distress.
If untreated, priapism can lead to permanent tissue damage and erectile dysfunction, so prompt intervention is critical.
Effects of a Brazilian Wandering Spider Bite on Women
When a Brazilian wandering spider bites a woman, the effects are similar to those in men, minus the priapism. Symptoms include:
- Localized Pain and Swelling: Intense pain and inflammation at the bite site.
- Systemic Effects: Nausea, vomiting, sweating, muscle spasms, and increased heart rate.
- Neurological Symptoms: In severe cases, tremors, convulsions, or difficulty breathing may occur.
Women may experience additional complications depending on their health status, such as allergic reactions or exacerbated symptoms during pregnancy. Treatment involves antivenom, pain relief, and supportive care to manage systemic effects.
Wandering Spider Venom and Erectile Dysfunction
While the venom of the Brazilian wandering spider can cause priapism, it does not directly cause erectile dysfunction (ED). However, if priapism is not treated promptly, the prolonged erection can damage penile tissue, leading to long-term ED. Research into the venom’s components, particularly PhTx3, has explored its potential to treat ED by enhancing nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow to the penis. However, these studies are preliminary, and the venom’s toxicity makes it unsuitable for direct medical use without significant refinement.
What is the Viagra Spider?
The Brazilian wandering spider is often nicknamed the “Viagra spider” due to its venom’s ability to cause priapism in men. This effect has drawn attention from researchers studying erectile dysfunction treatments, as the venom’s mechanism involves increasing nitric oxide levels, similar to how Viagra works. However, unlike Viagra, the spider’s venom is dangerous and not a practical treatment option in its raw form.
What Spider Can Cause Priapism?
The Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria species, particularly Phoneutria nigriventer) is the primary spider known to cause priapism in humans. No other spider species is widely documented to produce this effect, making Phoneutria unique in its impact on the male reproductive system.
Is There Hallucinogenic Spider Venom?
There is no conclusive evidence that the Brazilian wandering spider’s venom is hallucinogenic. The venom primarily affects the nervous system, causing physical symptoms like pain, muscle spasms, and cardiovascular changes. Some anecdotal reports mention altered mental states, but these are likely due to secondary effects like shock, fear, or severe pain rather than true hallucinations. No specific hallucinogenic compounds have been identified in Phoneutria venom.
Where Can I Buy Brazilian Wandering Spider Venom?
Purchasing Brazilian wandering spider venom is highly restricted and generally limited to research institutions or pharmaceutical companies due to its toxicity and potential for misuse. Venom is not available for public sale, as it is a controlled substance in many countries. Researchers interested in studying the venom must obtain it through specialized suppliers, such as:
- Licensed venom suppliers for scientific research (e.g., companies like Latoxan or Sigma-Aldrich, subject to strict regulations).
- University or research institute partnerships with access to venom banks.
Individuals cannot legally or safely purchase Phoneutria venom for personal use, and attempting to do so is both dangerous and unethical due to the risks of handling such a potent neurotoxin.
Conclusion
The Brazilian wandering spider is a fascinating but dangerous creature, with a bite that can cause severe pain, systemic symptoms, and, in men, priapism. While its venom has sparked interest in medical research for erectile dysfunction treatments, its toxicity makes it a significant health risk. Prompt medical treatment, including antivenom and supportive care, is essential for managing bites. Understanding the spider’s size, behavior, and venom effects underscores the importance of avoiding contact and respecting its place in the ecosystem.