Spiders inject venom through fangs, while organisms that secrete toxins that are harmful when touched or ingested are considered poisonous. Therefore, spiders are venomous, not poisonous. ¹⁾

Spiders use silk for various purposes, including building webs, creating egg sacs, and capturing prey. Some venomous spiders also use silk to wrap and immobilize their prey after injecting venom. ²⁾

Venomous spiders have specialized fangs (chelicerae) that connect to venom glands. When a spider bites its prey, venom is injected through these fangs to subdue or kill the victim. ³⁾

Different species of venomous spiders produce venoms with varying compositions. The components of spider venom can include proteins, peptides, enzymes, and neurotoxins. ⁴⁾

Spider venom serves to paralyze or immobilize prey, making it easier for the spider to feed. The venom often contains enzymes that help break down the prey's tissues, allowing the spider to consume it. ⁵⁾

Not all venomous spiders build webs, but many do. Spider silk, produced by spinnerets, is a remarkable material with a combination of strength and elasticity. It is used for building webs, creating draglines, and constructing egg sacs. ⁶⁾

Some well-known families of venomous spiders include Araneidae (orb-weavers), Loxoscelidae (recluse spiders), Theridiidae (cobweb spiders), and Sicariidae (six-eyed sand spiders). ⁷⁾

The Latrodectus genus, commonly known as widow spiders, includes species like the black widow. They are known for their potent venom, which can cause significant symptoms in humans. ⁸⁾

Brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles) are known for their necrotic venom. While bites can lead to tissue damage, severe reactions are relatively rare. ⁹⁾

Unlike some snakebites, there is no widely available antivenom specifically for spider bites. Treatment for spider bites often involves managing symptoms and providing supportive care. ¹⁰⁾

Researchers study spider venom for potential medical applications. Components of spider venom show promise in developing painkillers, blood pressure medications, and treatments for neurological conditions. ¹¹⁾

Misconceptions about the danger of certain spiders, like the daddy longlegs, are widespread. In reality, daddy longlegs are not venomous to humans. ¹²⁾

Salticidae, or jumping spiders, are venomous but typically pose no threat to humans. They are known for their excellent vision and agile hunting behavior. ¹³⁾

Venomous spiders use a combination of silk and venom to capture prey, ranging from passive web hunting to active hunting strategies. Some, like the trapdoor spider, construct burrows for ambushing prey. ¹⁴⁾

There are thousands of species of venomous spiders, each with its own adaptations, behaviors, and venom properties. Understanding this diversity is crucial for studying ecosystems and potential medical applications. ¹⁵⁾