Banana Spider

Whilst spiders are a valuable part of our ecosystem, they can also cause serious harm to the humankind. People, young and old, are generally interested in knowing two things about spiders: how big is it, and how dangerous it could be. For those who seriously want to know more about banana spiders, it’s worth the effort to read this article entirely. There are entirely two different species of the banana spider: the nephila clavipes of North America, and the phoneutria of Central and South America.

The Nephila Clavipes

Nephila Clavipes has many other common names such as calico spider, giant wood spider, banana or golden silk orb weaver and writing spider. The “golden” does not refer to the color of the spider, but to the color of the silk that a mature female weaves. Also, these spiders are called the writing spiders due to the zigzag pattern in its web.
These North American banana spiders are not as aggressive as the phoneautra of Central and South America. However, if you notice these spiders weaving their webs in your home or close to your home, carefully tear down the webs to keep them away from kids. Spiders will typically relocate where they can continue to prey insects, thus keeping down the insect population.

Banana Spider: Size

N. Clavipes banana spiders have elongated bodies that resemble the shape of a banana. Females are about twice the size of males, with a body length of about 1.5 to 2 inches (excluding leg span).

Banana Spider Bites

Whilst it is said that spider bites from these species are generally harmless, an allergic reaction could still turn severe. Spider bites from an N. Clavipes banana spider can cause painful welts and blisters, which will typically disappear within a 24-hour interval. But if you feel concerned, immediately consult a doctor or contact your local poison center for proper diagnosis and treatment. Because of its strong chelicerae, the bite could leave a scar on hard tissue such as fingers.

The Phoneutria Spp.

This classification of a banana spider is an aggressive, venomous, and deadly arachnid. This insect has earned its name from their entry to the United States as they have the tendency to seek shade in crates of bananas. The phoneutria species are also referred to as banana spiders because of their yellow colored bodies. This sort of banana spider is also known in different other names that include armed spider, banananspinne, kammspinne, and wandering spider as they commonly wander the jungle floor rather than residing in a lair or maintaining a web.

Banana Spider Size

In South America, the phoneutria spider has a body length of about 0.7-1.9 inches, with a leg span extending up to 4-5 inches. Phoneutria banana spiders primarily weave their webs in the rain forests but they can be found inside the home, typically hidden inside in common household items like cabinets and shoe racks.

Banana Spider Bites

The banana spider in South America can be deadly as the spider’s venom is neuro-toxic, or acts on the nervous system. The spider’s bite typically causes immediate pain, a cold sweat and irregular heartbeat. In fact, the Guinness Book of World Records 2010 credited the phoneutria spp. banana spiders as the most venomous spider in the world. But despite its reputation as the world’s deadliest spider, some experts question its capacity for fatal human envenomation. Nevertheless, if you are bitten by a banana spider of this kind, it is extremely important to seek emergency treatment as the venom could possibly be fatal. The phoneutria species do not only possess a potent neurotoxin, but can also produce the most excruciating pain caused by spider bite among any other spider there is.

Banana Spiders: Where Are They Found

Banana spiders may wander everywhere; they can even turn up in the strangest, most unexpected places. From the jungle, they can also be found in shoes, clothing, boxes, and cars. As the name implies, banana spiders can stow away with the bananas being shipped to other countries posing a serious problem with banana shipments. There was even an incident that took place in Bridgewater, England that a man from a local market was bitten by a banana spider while picking out some bananas to purchase. So if you happen to drop by your local store for bananas, make sure to always check for a banana spider to avoid such scenario.

Banana Spiders and their Ecological Significance

The banana spider, like all other spiders, is certainly elating to learn about. Spiders are predators, and humans benefit enormously from these arthropods. By controlling insect pests in most agricultural crops, they prevent too much economic damage to agriculture. Also, spiders eat insects that mostly bother human like mosquitoes, crickets, cockroaches, and even pinkie mice. Apparently, with fewer spiders in the world, our planet would certainly become a “buggier” place.

What to Do If a Banana Spider Bites

While there are few harmless spiders, some spiders could pose serious danger to mankind once bitten. This is why you should immediately seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do not attempt to self-medication after the bite and do not ever suck out the spider’s venom. Also, never use a knife to open the puncture wound to prevent the risk of further infection. Taking the offending spider with you to the doctor or to the local poison center can help probe your diagnosis and treatment. Make sure though that you have your gloves on and containers ready prior to catching the spider by hand. Do not attempt to take spider with your bare hands!
While banana spiders are good to have around to help minimize the outbreak of pesky insects at home, it is very essential to take extreme pre-caution especially when you have kids around. If you prefer not having them around your premises, simply tear down the spider web with a stick or a broom. The tendency here is that the banana spider will move on to a further location where it can weave its web again.