Most venomous New World T

[gvfarns]

The venom potency of certain old world tarantulas--and of old worlders in general--seems to be a fairly frequently mentioned subject here while new world species tend to be categorically regarded as not significantly venomous. Schultz and Schultz (p 100) make reference to anecdotal evidence that certain new world species (Phrixotrichus...er...Grammostola is mentioned specifically) pack a more than usually potent punch in their bite.

Based on the bite reports I've read, I'm inclined to think that Grammostola horror stories, as the authors suggest, are just fiction. However, this leads me to ask which new world species do have the nastiest venom? Is there an arachnoboards consensus on the subject? Is it the case that no new world species has a medically relevant bite?

Anyone ever have a fever, cramps, etc., from a new world bite?

 

[gvfarns]

No ideas yet? I guess we can take this as a weak confirmation that there really are no new worlds with a bite to speak of.

 

[Pulk]

No ideas yet? I guess we can take this as a weak confirmation that there really are no new worlds with a bite to speak of.

i dunno, maybe try waiting more than 6 hours for a reply?

 

[gvfarns]

i dunno, maybe try waiting more than 6 hours for a reply?

Eh? Oh yeah. Working stiffs and everything. You can guess how well I wait for tarantulas to molt...

 

[DrJ]

Well, it is typically thought that since NW species have urticating hair, their need for a more toxic venom is unneccessary. However, the species Tapinauchenius and Psalmopoeus lack urticating hair...so it could be thought that either of them could hold a more potent venom...but that has not been seen in any bite reports.

 

[vbrooke]

A Versi's don't have urticating hairs and there venom is'nt bad either.

 

[dtknow]

Avics do have urticating hairs but do not flick them as other T's do.

I'm going to guess OP means most potent venom of T's with urticating hairs.

If not, then probably Psalmopoeus.

 

[vbrooke]

Avics do have urticating hairs but do not flick them as other T's do.

I'm going to guess OP means most potent venom of T's with urticating hairs.

If not, then probably Psalmopoeus.

Sorry I misstated that but you got the point.

 

[WRXspecR1]

This bite report shows that P. irminia can have a nasty bite: http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showpost.php?p=586447&postcount=2

 

[ShadowBlade]

Anyone ever have a fever, cramps, etc., from a new world bite?

While I can't say I've been bitten by a T. blondi, I certainly fear those 1" fangs going anywhere into me. Having been bitten by an H. gigas, I can bet how it would feel.

As for particularly potent NW venom, I only speak from experience, and having never been bitten by a NW (besides a young B. albo)... I'll keep my mouth shut.

-Sean

 

[icx120]

While I can't say I've been bitten by a T. blondi, I certainly fear those 1" fangs going anywhere into me. Having been bitten by an H. gigas, I can bet how it would feel.

As for particularly potent NW venom, I only speak from experience, and having never been bitten by a NW (besides a young B. albo)... I'll keep my mouth shut.

-Sean

Just thought i'd throw this in - it seems that everyone has a different reaction to spider venom, so bites from the same species and genus will have slightly different levels of severity from person to person.

I've never been bitten yet, but i've been haired a few times

 

[Venom]

Psalmopoeus, Megaphobema, Ephebopus are among the more potent for NW T's....which is like saying they're "among the more dangerous headless chickens."

With NW, it's not the front end you look out for.....its the rear end and those pesky hairs!

 

[Taylor]

I have heard of the Haitan brown (Phromoctipus canerides) has a nasty bite. but i dont know. my hubby almost got snagged the other week. it was pretty funny. He is afraid of spiderlings now.

 

[Longbord1]

I would hate to be bitten by any T larger than 6 inches. I feel like the fangs alone would do more damage than their venom.

I have to agree on the T. Blondi. Those fangs would have to hurt!

 

[hamfoto]

Well, if you want to go by the research of a very important theraphosid researcher...William Baerg...who induced tarantulas from around the world to bite him and he recorded the pain and effects...the most painful New World tarantula venom he encountered was Sericopelma, and that includes bites from Psalmopoeus.

Chris

 

[gvfarns]

Well, if you want to go by the research of a very important theraphosid researcher...William Baerg...who induced tarantulas from around the world to bite him and he recorded the pain and effects...the most painful New World tarantula venom he encountered was Sericopelma, and that includes bites from Psalmopoeus.

I've heard of this guy before. Do you happen to have the link on his stuff (which gave you the information you just relayed)? I'd be interested to read his research more thoroughly.