Venomous Spider Bites: Canada's Hobo Spider Makes a Bad Impression

A Manitoba woman is nursing serious flesh wounds after a suspected Hobo Spider bite. (Skerrit, 2008). The venom of the Hobo has allegedly caused extensive tissue destruction in some people, while others experience symptoms no worse than nausea.

Similar instances have occurred in Australia from a spider known as the White Tail. The White Tail whose insignificant appearance poses little threat to most, is also said to be responsible for necrotic ulceration. Similar to that of the Hobo Spider, the White Tail Spider bite will produce a small blister accompanied with a chronic burning sensation and subsequent necrosis. The argument is still active as to whether either spider does indeed inflict such injuries, however, since the reaction to a bite varies from case to case this has not been ruled out. In one instance close to home, a woman was rushed to hospital with respiratory distress, followed by the development of a large black flesh wound on the back of her neck. Although the wound was discovered to be positive evidence of a White Tail Spider bite, the issue of the accompanying breathing problems was not determined to be a related symptom. White Tail Spiders are comfortable living inside the home, as well as in garden refuse or magazine and newspaper piles. Most commonly within the home, they will seek out a pile of laundry to take cover, much to the horror of those who are present on wash day!

Another flesh destroying arachnid bite in Australia comes courtesy of the Wolf Spider. A bite from the Wolf Spider causes immediate excruciating pain, particularly if the area is touched. If the ulcerated area is even lightly touched, pieces of decaying flesh will detach from around the wound. The Wolf Spider is significantly larger than the White Tail; brownish grey and sporting an "emblem" on the abdomen which has a striking resemblance to the Union Jack. The Wolf Spider generally lives in the ground and can give one a significant fright when pulling weeds in the flower bed. They hide just below the ground in small holes which they cover with a lid made from a dead leaf or a piece of bark. Although they are said to bite only when provoked, one will quickly discover that these intimidating creatures clearly do not have much tolerance, as they can and do attack without justification. It is also not uncommon to see two or three of these tiny monsters scrambling furiously under the kitchen door before a thunderstorm. A remarkable barometer perhaps, but never a welcomed visitor.

A more innocent resident is the Huntsman Spider. These spiders are large and move very fast, although their venom does not inflict long term injury. One can be bitten by a Huntsman and feel nothing more than a stinging sensation and some minor discomfort. A Huntsman Spider is usually the first to arrive indoors before rain, and it is common to see six or seven of them hanging on various walls around the house. Beware of the Huntsman if you scare easily though, it is not shy about climbing into the nearest boot or innocently roosting on your head while you are watching a movie!

Source:

Skerrit, Jen. (August 25,2008). Manitoba woman's scar could be mark of uncommon hobo spider. Winnipeg Free Press.

Retrieved August 26, 2008 from

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