5 Top Deadliest Spiders

Brown Recluse: The brown recluse spider typically avoids human contact, hiding in the shadows and only biting when disturbed. However, if they find themselves in our shoes or bedding, we may have an unpleasant encounter on our hands. These spiders, recognizable by their characteristic fiddleback marking, can be venomous and leave behind an ulcer at the site of the bite. While children and the elderly are at higher risk for severe reactions, fatalities from brown recluse bites are not well documented. Regardless, it’s clear that this spider can cause significant tissue damage and should be taken seriously.

Black Widow: The name “black widow” evokes fear, being synonymous with death. It is the poster spider for deadliest spider.  These spiders are not aggressive, but their self-defense bites deliver venom 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s. Identified by the hourglass on their abdomens, they are found all over the world. In the 1950s, black widow bites killed 63 Americans, usually near outhouses and woodpiles. Fortunately, antivenin has made fatalities incredibly rare. However, young children remain at higher risk.

Redback Spider: The red stripe on the black back of the redback spider is a clear warning signal. Avoid reaching into its web and provoking the small but venomous fangs. Although redbacks usually stay in their webs, more than 250 Australians require antivenin for bites every year. The bites cause sweating, nausea, and muscle weakness, and can be fatal without antivenin. Redbacks are found in many parts of the world.

Brazilian Wandering Spider: Beware if you see a spider waving legs from bananas; it could be a Brazilian wandering spider. Their neurotoxic bite can induce paralysis and asphyxiation. Scientists are exploring their toxins to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Deadly spiders in your bananas and rats with erections – unforgettable images!

Funnel-Web Spider: Australia boasts around 40 species of native funnel-web spiders, with body sizes varying between 1 and 5 centimeters. Interestingly, among them, the male Sydney funnel-web spider is not only the most venomous but also responsible for all lethal funnel-web spider bites recorded to date, in addition to several near-death situations.

Although antivenom became available in 1981, this lethal venom can still cause death within two hours of a single bite from the Sydney spider. Similar to others in the funnel web species, these arachnids have shiny bodies, spiny lower lips, four spinnerets, and close-set eyes. However, what sets the Sydney spider apart is the distinct spur under its second leg.

Remember, it’s easy to overlook the Sydney variety- because of its small size- but be careful not to make this mistake. These arachnids may be small, but these 5 top deadliest spiders are very dangerous.