- Cross drawing is characteristic
- Contact extremely rare
- Are Cross Spiders Poisonous?
- Bite very uncomfortable
- Danger for allergy sufferers
Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
It is one of the largest spiders in Germany, the garden spider (Araneus). The large, strong and hairy animal can spread fear and a great fright in some people. If they do show up in the house, it certainly won't be looking for a cozy place to hide, they're just lost. Garden spiders also have the reputation of being very poisonous. Is this statement really true or are they harmless?
Cross drawing is characteristic
The most well-known living spider of this species in Germany is the garden spider (Araneus diadematus). As with all garden spiders, the typical cross drawing is on its spherical abdomen, a light cross consisting of five light spots, four of which are elongated and one circular in the middle. Other identifying features are:
- hairy legs with small spikes
- these function as sense organs
- Size of females up to 15 mm
- Males smaller, only up to 5 mm in size
- Body color varies from yellow-tan, red and black
The body color adapts to the habitat and at the same time serves as camouflage, to protect against enemies.
Notice: The garden spider is known for its expertly woven orb web. She likes to weave it in front of windows and doors in the summer months.
Contact extremely rare
Normally, these spiders are at home in the woods and fields. They are also increasingly found near buildings and gardens. However, they are very rarely found indoors, when they are, the spiders are sure to be lost. They could not survive in heated rooms due to the low humidity. A garden spider will certainly never voluntarily seek contact with people or pets. As a rule, they both avoid each other and even retreat.
This spider species is neither aggressive nor willing to attack. You can safely catch them indoors and then put them back outside again. It can't be dangerous. A spider bite can only occur if the garden spider feels threatened, is afraid, has no escape route or its nest has been destroyed. Then it can happen that they use their weapons for defense. However, as long as humans or pets do not harass them, they are peaceful. If a specimen of this species has bitten, there is also no need to worry.
Notice: Spiders may be disgusting to look at for some, but there is no need to be afraid of the spider species found in Germany. They do not normally pose a fatal threat to humans or pets.
Are Cross Spiders Poisonous?
In principle, all spiders worldwide are poisonous, with a few exceptions. However, the concentration of the poison varies between species. The cross spiders are classified as slightly poisonous. The spiders need the venom to ward off enemies and catch prey. They lie in wait for their victims, catch them in their woven nets and with a targeted poisonous bite the prey animals are either only paralyzed or killed. Spiders cannot chew or tear up prey just like that, they simply suck it out after the effect of the venom. The poison is deadly for their prey. Also for humans and pets?
The poison is also contained in the cross spiders in the glands, which are located behind the poisonous claws (chelicerae) on the side of the head. The poison consists of various proteins and digestive juices. Whether it is dangerous or even deadly for humans and pets usually depends on the dosage of the poison on the one hand and the length of the poisonous claws on the other.
Because the claws must be of a suitable length in order to penetrate the human skin. However, this is relatively thick and the garden spider's poisonous claws are much too short. Under certain circumstances, however, there is the possibility of penetrating the human skin, but then only on thin skin areas, for example the crook of the arm.
Children can be more at risk if they come into contact with garden spiders while playing. Your skin layers are still very thin. Under certain circumstances, the spiders can inject their poison into the deeper layers of the skin. However, the dose of the poison is not sufficient to cause damage to health. So there is still no danger or maybe even long-term health damage.
Of course, the same applies to pets such as dogs and cats. Here, too, the skin is too thick and more or less thick fur is added. The poisonous claws of the cross spiders are also much too short here.
Notice: The slightly poisonous garden spider is protected under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), but not threatened.
Bite very uncomfortable
Should the garden spider nevertheless bite you, it can be very unpleasant and painful, but usually not fatal. It is comparable to a wasp or bee sting. However, it is very small and barely visible to the naked eye. Two inconspicuous puncture sites are then visible under the magnifying glass. Here it was possible for the spider's mandibles to penetrate the skin and secrete the venom. The bite of a garden spider can
- swelling
- temporary paralysis in the vicinity of the bite
- burning feeling and
- itching
to lead. Special treatment of the bites is usually not required. It should only be ensured that the swelling and pain are reduced. This can be done either by
- cooling towels and ice packs or
- Using a mosquito pen
Mosquito pens are available in pharmacies for around 10 euros. These should not be missing in any medicine cabinet. The pins have a hot metal plate at their tip. This must be pressed directly onto the bite wound. As a result, the skin tissue contracts and ultimately the toxic protein of the cross spider venom can be destroyed. Of course, such a pen is also useful for mosquito, bee or wasp stings. After half an hour at the latest, the symptoms that have occurred should have disappeared.
A garden spider bite usually doesn't require a doctor's visit unless problems arise. This can occur, for example, if the bite wounds are scratched due to severe itching. Bacteria can then enter the bite unhindered. The result can be a serious wound infection. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately. Ultimately, it may sometimes be possible that a surgical intervention is then necessary. It also depends on how long you wait before seeing a doctor.
Danger for allergy sufferers
As already mentioned, a bite from the less poisonous garden spider is usually not dangerous. However, the situation is different for allergy sufferers. A bite from the spiders can quickly lead to an allergic shock. This can be life-threatening for the person concerned. Anaphylactic shock can cause an acute immune system reaction within a few minutes. The whole organism just collapses. consequences can be
- swelling of the larynx
- occlusion of the respiratory organs
- shortness of breath
- circulatory problems
In the worst case, insufficient blood supply can lead to circulatory arrest with organ failure and ultimately to death. It should be noted that the faster the first symptoms become visible, the more dangerous the situation can become for the person concerned. In such cases, quick action is required. Allergy sufferers should therefore always keep their own emergency kit to hand. In acute situations, you can react quickly and save your life. Of course, you should also consult a doctor if necessary.
Notice: Insect venoms can cause anaphylactic shock in 24 percent of children and 55 percent of adults.