Introduction
The tarantula bite, although painful, in most cases is not dangerous for humans.
" Tarantula " is the generic and common name used to identify many spider species belonging to different families. Despite this heterogeneity, it is almost always spiders with hair that can reach considerable size and whose bite, however painful, usually does not cause excessively serious consequences for humans. Despite this, in no case should the tarantula bite be underestimated. Therefore, immediately after having had the misfortune to experiment it, it is always good to consult a doctor or emergency room.
Did you know that ...
In some countries, different species of spider belonging to the large group of tarantulas are included in the diet of the local populations and, indeed, are considered as real delicacies.
What is that
What is Tarantula?
Tarantula is the generic name by which, in common language, spiders belonging to different families are indicated (for example, Theraphosidae, Lycosidae, etc.) which, sometimes, have nothing in common with one another.
Traditionally, tarantulas are divided into:
- Tarantulas of the new continent : these are tarantulas originating from the American continent. Their venom is of little clinical relevance to humans and their bite is generally limited to being painful. In addition to the classic hairs that cover the body, some species of tarantulas of the new continent are equipped with stinging hairs that they can use as a defense tool if they need it.
- Tarantulas of the old continent : these are indigenous tarantulas of the continent now occupied by Europe and Asia. When we talk about this type of tarantulas, we refer above all to those originating from the Asian continent, less docile and more poisonous than those of the new continent. Although the poison injected with their bite does not seem to be lethal to humans, the resulting symptomatology can sometimes be severe. Furthermore, some cases of hospitalization have been reported following the bite of tarantulas belonging to the genus Poecilotheria . It is not surprising, therefore, that some species of tarantulas of the old continent, with a simple bite, are capable of killing large preys such as mice.
Origin of the Name
The name "tarantola" was most probably coined in the Apulian province of Taranto at the end of the 15th century, to indicate the so-called Lycosa tarantula, also known as the wolf spider and very widespread in the regions of southern Italy.
After the birth of the term, when the first explorers arrived in the American continent and encountered the large and hairy native spiders - later classified within the Theraphosidae family - they began to call them "tarantulas" because of their large size.
Did you know that ...
The tarantulas belonging to the Theraphosidae family are also known by the common name of " migale ".
This explains why, today, when we talk about tarantulas, we immediately think of big, hairy and colorful spiders that live in exotic areas and certainly not in the countryside of the Bel Paese. Nevertheless, still today the Lycosa tarantula is called and is considered a tarantula to all effects.
What is the Tarantula Bite?
When we talk about tarantula bite, we refer to the attack launched by the use of chelicerae from any of the spiders labeled as tarantulas. The chelicerae are the appendages that depart indicatively under the eyes of the spider and that, in common parlance, are considered - even if improperly - as the teeth of the animal. At the end of the chelicera there are the venomous spines through which the animal injects the poison to the prey or to the aggressor, depending on the case.
However, it is right to point out that the tarantula bite in humans is a fairly rare and mostly accidental event, since these spiders tend to attack only if forced, as a last resort to defend themselves. If possible, in the presence of a human being, the tarantulas prefer to move away and flee.
Symptoms
Symptoms Induced by the Tarantula Bite
The tarantula bite is generally not lethal to humans, but the symptoms can sometimes be severe.
In a healthy, non-allergic individual who receives a tarantula bite, the following local symptoms may occur:
- Ache;
- Swelling;
- Redness;
- Decreased sensitivity at the vise area.
Depending on the species responsible for the tarantula bite, the formation of a necrotic area of bluish or blackish color is also possible.
Given the surprisingly high number of species adorned with the name "tarantula", it is difficult to make a complete list of all the symptoms caused by the bite of these animals. Furthermore, to date, there is still no information on the effects on humans of the bites of each spider belonging to the group of tarantulas.
However, although it is usually rare - especially in Italy - the possibility of the onset of systemic symptoms in addition to the local ones listed above, such as:
- Nausea;
- He retched;
- Temperature;
- Accentuated sweating;
- Cramps, pain and muscle spasms.
Furthermore, it is recalled that cases have been reported in which the bite of tarantulas belonging to African species led to the appearance of serious hallucinations.
The tarantula bite is immediately perceptible since it is very painful, but the totality of the symptoms tends to fully manifest itself a few hours after the attack.
Complications
Among the most common complications that may arise after receiving a tarantula bite we find:
- Occurrence of even severe allergic reactions in sensitive or previously sensitized individuals, which may occur with:
- Pain, swelling and erythema;
- Extended edema;
- Generalized urticaria;
- Angioedema;
- Breathing difficulties;
- Palpitations;
- Nausea and abdominal cramps;
- In the most serious cases: anaphylactic shock.
- Appearance of infections generally supported by bacteria. These bacteria can be carried by the tarantula bite itself, just as they can reach the lesion and infect it later.
Care and Treatment
How to treat the Tarantula bite?
The treatment of a tarantula bite basically involves the implementation of support treatments . In fact, since the poison of these animals is not normally dangerous to humans, the administration of antidotes is not necessary.
Despite this, the tarantula bite must absolutely not be underestimated . Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or emergency room, even better if you can capture, or at least take pictures or describe the type of spider that launched the attack.
In some cases, the tarantula bite does not require treatment of any kind and solves itself within a few days; while in other situations medical intervention and the administration of drugs to reduce inflammation may be necessary (corticosteroid drugs for topical use are widely used) and any systemic symptoms.
What to do after the Tarantula bite?
After receiving the tarantula bite, it is useful to immediately wash the wound with water and mild soap . If desired, it is also possible to apply a disinfectant, provided it is not too aggressive. Under no circumstances should the tarantula bite site be engraved, cut or traumatized.
To get relief from pain, it is possible to resort to cold compresses with ice or to the immersion of the affected area in fresh water. However, this stratagem is generally indicated for tarantula bites that do not induce necrosis.
If the pain is not excessive and no further symptoms appear, it may not be necessary to seek medical attention. However, strictly speaking, it would still be good to turn to this health figure.
In the event that the symptoms appear immediately in severe form and / or in the case of a suspected allergic reaction to the tarantula bite, it is necessary to immediately call 118.
Prevention
How to Avoid the Tarantula Bite
Avoiding and preventing tarantula bites is quite simple if the spider is sighted. In fact, as we have said, the bite is the last defensive resource put into practice by the animal that, rather than confrontation, prefers to flee in the presence of humans.
Moreover, before attacking, the tarantula assumes a particular position in which the part and the two front legs rise, probably in an attempt to frighten the disturber / aggressor. From this moment on, the actual attack can be long enough to allow the abandonment of the area in which the tarantula is present.
Therefore, in such situations, it is sufficient to move away and leave the spider quiet that, although it may have an aspect considered by many to be frightening, it is very likely that it is more afraid of the person in front of it.
If the spider is not materially visible, in order to prevent any tarantula bite it is good:
- Wear protective clothing when carrying out activities at risk that could favor the encounter with tarantulas (for example, gardening, work in the fields, cleaning of old warehouses, etc.);
- Use extreme caution when removing spider webs or spiders' burrows ;
- Do not handle tarantulas with bare hands . In fact, even if you do not intend to attack them, the tarantulas may feel attacked and respond accordingly, especially if they are held "forcefully" in order to prevent them from escaping.
tarantolismo
Tarantolism or Tarantism and Popular Myths
Tarantolism - or tarantism, if you prefer - is a term whose origin seems to coincide with the birth of the tarantula name which is believed to have occurred in the regions of southern Italy - in particular, in the province of Taranto - at the end of the fifteenth century. In these places, in fact, the Lycosa tarantula was and still is widespread, nicknamed tarantula by the locals and whose bite was held responsible for the disease defined, precisely, as "tarantolism".
Lycosa tarantula or Lycosa tarentula?
In some sources, the scientific name of the "local" tarantula reported is " Lycosa tarentula "; however, the correct nomenclature of the species seems to be " Lycosa tarantula ".
Local populations described tarantism as a pathology characterized by both physical and psychiatric symptoms, such as:
- General malaise;
- Abdominal pains;
- Muscle pains;
- Fatigue;
- Convulsions;
- States of prostration;
- Depression;
- Catatonia;
- Delusions;
- State of trance.
The myths and popular legends of the time wanted that the only existing therapy for this pathology was a sort of " musical exorcism " operated through a dance characterized by frenetic movements and punctuated by a more and more pressing music . Today, this dance is known as tarantella .
Did you know that ...
Tarantolism is defined as a hysterical cultural syndrome . The term "cultural syndrome" is used to indicate - in the context of medical anthropology and cultural psychiatry - a particular type of clinical picture characterized by a set of mental and somatic disorders with a particular meaning typical of a specific region or group ethnic. In fact, tarantolism - attributed precisely to the tarantula bite - was "diagnosed" only in the regions of southern Italy.
Today we are aware of the fact that the bite of Lycosa tarantula, however painful, is not able to trigger a symptomatology like that attributed to tarantolism. In this regard, it has been hypothesized that clinical pictures of that type could be the consequence of the attack of another type of spider present in Italy, the malmignatta . It was therefore assumed that similar symptoms could be due to the bite of the Mediterranean black widow (malmignatta, in fact) and not to the tarantula bite.
