What is the most venomous spider in the trade?

[42LegAPede]

I am looking for some venomous spiders just because of curiosity and the novelty, I would like to know which ones are most abundant in the trade. Thanks

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Probably for me Sicarius hahni, even if that six eyed bugger isn't defensive at all nor there's valid bite reports to stand with, what's inside that spider venom is a bad new. Plus there's no antivenom available. I could be wrong but i think they deserves the first place.

I put even Phoneutria nigriventer, just for that, at second place.

 

[The Snark]

Well, the Clintonus Trumpsonii is rare, there being only one. As for extremely common, Latrodectus. How potent the venom is becomes academic when you are talking fractions of milligrams. Overall, Atrax leads the way but much like O Hannah; it isn't the sauce but how much you of it you can drool.

 

[pannaking22]

Depends where you go. Certain countries have more or less available in the hobby than others. Also, keeping a highly venomous species just for the novelty of it isn't a great idea. For what it's worth, Latrodectus seems to be the most commonly kept genus in the US.

 

[schmiggle]

Might I suggest that keeping a venomous spider for the novelty is sort of like keeping a tiger just for kicks? If one is careful and pays enough attention, then there's no problem, but it seems to me like a lot of risk purely for novelty's sake.

 

[Oroborus]

I have to concur with Chris, Sicarius sp. is probably the most commonly available spider that will land a healthy adult in the hospital. That being said, I can't imagine how you could get tagged by a captive specimen barring a really freak accident or mind bending incompetance. Phoneutria, on the other hand, is wicked fast and starts off in a bad mood; however, they are not very commonly available, at least here in Canada. Whatever you do, give the animal the respect it deserves or it could cost you big. Cheers.

 

[42LegAPede]

Thanks for all of the replies, I have heard of Sicarius sp. I was only curious about other spiders. I have always had an interest in dangerous exotic animals. Also, if you take proper precautions shouldn't I be fine; isn't there a risk factor with centipedes too? If venom was a barrier, why do people keep those? (Yes I know most centipede bites don't cause a lot of health issues, but it is one of the most painful situation you could ever be in)

EDIT: Also, I have seen the Phoneutria before, I read that they're not readily available in the trade and most people say these aren't good pets.

 

[Toxoderidae]

Because you keeping an animal simply for novelty is incredibly stupid. It's as bad as those idiots on youtube who buy a dangerous tarantula or a caiman just to show how "cool" and "brave" they are.

 

[42LegAPede]

When I mean novelty, I mean I am extremely interested in the little buggers and I would like to learn more by caring for them. It was simply a poor choice of words.

 

[Toxoderidae]

There's a huge difference between novelty and genuine interest.

 

[42LegAPede]

To be honest, I am doing it for both. I do have a lot of genuine interest for most invertebrates, and I also enjoy the novelty of it. Btw, I have never been or acted cool, if anything I am extremely skittish. Although I do know what you are talking about.

 

[pannaking22]

One thing I will say is that most of the more venomous spiders can be safely kept pretty easily, so it doesn't take that much to house them properly and minimize the risk to the keeper and spider. Once you do plenty of research, Latrodectus or Loxoceles would probably be where you want to start and you'll probably want to go overboard on safety precautions to keep it safe (long forceps, double enclosures, etc.). Once I did all my research, I found it easy to keep various species of Latrodectus.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

EDIT: Also, I have seen the Phoneutria before, I read that they're not readily available in the trade and most people say these aren't good pets.

I don't know about the American (US & Canada) continent, but in Germany, Poland etc you can find those. Eh, there's a reason if "most people say there aren't good pets"

 

[Widow lover]

Thanks for all of the replies, I have heard of Sicarius sp. I was only curious about other spiders. I have always had an interest in dangerous exotic animals. Also, if you take proper precautions shouldn't I be fine; isn't there a risk factor with centipedes too? If venom was a barrier, why do people keep those? (Yes I know most centipede bites don't cause a lot of health issues, but it is one of the most painful situation you could ever be in)

EDIT: Also, I have seen the Phoneutria before, I read that they're not readily available in the trade and most people say these aren't good pets.

Not good pets?! I disagree....

 

[Widow lover]

I agree with pannaking22, start with a widow. They are easy and rewarding. Loxosceles are also super easy.

 

[nieksluys]

This is absolutely ridiculous...although at least you're honest about the fact that you just want a spider with potent venom so your **** looks bigger...

The most venomous spider is the one that bit you, good luck with trying to survive a Sicarius bite and suffer the consequenses.

you have four options to choose from:
1) Keep a venomous inactive spider that will probably bore you to death sooner then you'll be bitten by it. Latrodectus and Sicarius are not that agressive and barely able to climb smooth obstacles.
2) Keep a venomous spider that's less likely to kill or put you out of the game for X-amount of time, but is more likely to bite you. Phoneutria is the one genus that falls into that category , they are big, fast, unpredictable and skittish and although not necessarily the deadliest, will mess up your week with intense pain.
3) Keep some of the more accessible species like Cupiennius and Dolomedes, they are less shy, prettier, and most of all, not potent.
4) Just quit the hobby in general, your intentions regarding the keeping of exotic creatures are despicable, sorry. I'm not buying the bit where you're correcting yourself.

Kind regards,

Niek

 

[ReignofInvertebrates]

I agree with @nieksluys although I wouldn't call your reasoning despicable, just not very wise. Definitely start with widows or Loxosceles as @Widow lover said. I started with L. geometricus, and they're great spiders if you want to move up the venom rank, but don't do it for the novelty. All I have ever heard from those who've kept Phoneutria is how incredibly fast and agile they are. Sicarius would be a decent option once you get more into the more venomous, but they aren't super active and are according to several non-confirmed cases, extremely potent!

Edit: If you care for their appearances, you can take a look at some similar species. Get some Cupiennius spp. rather than Phoneutria, or Homalonychus rather than Sicarius. I happen to have some for sale right now.

 

[darkness975]

I am looking for some venomous spiders just because of curiosity and the novelty, I would like to know which ones are most abundant in the trade. Thanks

I am assuming you mean medically significant species since all spiders are venomous. The most dangerous spider is the one that "just bit you." When you find a species that catches your eye begin the research process. Learn all about the species general characteristics and the average specimen's temperament. While there are individuals that have different personalities the general consensus is usually consistent. You need to be prepared for the "worst case scenario."

Example: Latrodectus builds webs - Phoneutria does not. Two vastly different species, behaviors, etc. and you will need to tweek your response to them accordingly.

Never allow yourself to become complacent (even with non-medically significant species). Complacency is when you, everyone around you, and the entire hobby is at risk.

 

[RebelWolf]

Latrodectus are the most common. Sicarius are probably the most venomous since there is no antivenin. In my point of view, I would prefer latrodectus hesperus. That's my favorite species of widow

 

[grimmjowls]

I wouldn't say Sicarius is the most venomous because it doesn't have an antivenin, I would say it's the most dangerous. Subtle difference.