The recent appearance of specimens of the so-called “banana spider” in supermarkets in Uruguay has raised alarms in the region.
It is a species of the genus Phoneutria, considered one of the most venomous in the world, although specialists clarify that the actual risk of serious accidents is low.
Origin, habitat, and behavior of the Phoneutria
A wandering spider, nocturnal hunter, and native to Brazil that can arrive through commercial means.
The Phoneutria —also known as “armadeira”— inhabits tropical and subtropical rainforests, especially in banana plantations, where it hides among trunks and dark areas. Its natural distribution includes Brazil and northern Argentina, and in past decades specimens were recorded in Gran La Plata, due to the direct transport of banana clusters.
“That modality favored the arrival of spiders and increased accidents when handling the fruit,” explained Sandra González, specialist from CEPAVE (UNLP-CONICET).
Currently, the risk is lower thanks to commercialization in sealed boxes, which limits the accidental entry of specimens.
Characteristics and danger: What to do in case of a banana spider bite?
Although aggressive when feeling threatened, accidents are rare and there is an available antidote. Characteristics of the banana spider:
- Size: body from 3 to 4.5 cm; up to 15 cm with extended legs
- Coloration: brown with light spots and reddish chelicerae
- Habits: nocturnal hunter, does not spin webs, feeds on insects and small vertebrates
- Behavior: adopts a defensive posture when feeling threatened
In case of a bite, the pain is intense and leaves visible marks. It is recommended to photograph or capture the specimen to facilitate diagnosis.
Alarm due to the possible appearance of the banana spider.[/caption>
Argentina has a specific antivenom, developed by the ANLIS-Malbrán Institute, available for severe cases. In emergencies, you can contact the Provincial Toxicology Center (CEPROTOX) at 0800-222-9911, operational 24 hours a day.
Other spiders of sanitary interest in the region
Black widow and brown recluse spider: domestic species with neurotoxic or necrotic venoms.
- Black widow (Latrodectus sp): small, black with red spots; lives in rural areas
- Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles sp): brown, domestic, with a violin-shaped mark
Both species have specific antivenom available and severe cases are rare.
Technology for prevention: the app “Is it a spider or a scorpion?”
The Arachnology Laboratory of CEPAVE (UNLP-CONICET) developed the mobile application Is it a spider or a scorpion? A free tool to identify specimens and learn about their danger level, allowing:
- Send photos to identify specimens
- Consult the illustrated catalog of species
- Record findings and contribute to citizen monitoring
The app is aimed at anyone interested in the life of arachnids, and aims to educate, prevent, and provide access to reliable information about species of sanitary interest.
