Spider bites and venoms

Collecting venom from a Funnel-web Spider at the Australian Reptile Park. Photo: © Australian Reptile Park.

Spider venoms are a cocktail of many chemicals. Some are toxins, which evolved in order to kill or immobilise arthropods like insects by attacking their nervous systems; others help break down the victim's tissues so the spider can ingest a liquefied meal. Unfortunately, a few of these chemicals can be seriously toxic to people. But in general, spider venoms cause us no more than mild local pain and inflammation.

Find out more:

• Toxins which attack nerves
• Making antivenoms
• Pressure bandages and splints
• First aid - points to remember
• Catching a spider
• Spider bite and venom links

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