Link to [[:wikitox:problems_for_discussion_4_spiders|Problems for Discussion]]

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====== Other Spiders ======

===== BITES =====

For a spider bite to be regarded as a definite bite (by a particular type of spider), all of the following must occur:

  * Evidence of a bite: clinical effects at the time or soon after the bite, including discomfort or pain;
  * Collection of the spider at the time or immediately after the bite;
  * Identification of the spider by an expert arachnologist.

Discomfort or pain always occurs with spider bites; their absence goes against the diagnosis. Other important local effects include:

  * Fang marks/bleeding are indicative of fang size and so the size of the spider;
  * Erythaema/red mark;
  * Itchiness (immediate or delayed);
  * Swelling/oedema is uncommon.

Over 80% of bites are caused by 6 major families of spiders:

  * Orb weavers (//Araneidae//  )
  * Huntsmen (//Sparassidae//  )
  * White-tail spiders (//Lamponidae//  ://Lampona//  spp.)
  * Redback spiders (//Latrodectus hasselti//) and cupboard spiders (//Theridiidae//  )
  * Wolf spiders (//Lycosidae//  )
  * Jumping spiders (//Salticidae//  )

The majority of cases of bites involving these spiders result in local pain alone. Systemic effects are rare and mild.

[[http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/venomous-spiders|Medscape Spider Slide Show]]