POLL: Yellow sac spider bites and opinions (Cheiracanthium spp.)

[Avic_Litee]

I need some info/opinions about Cheiracanthium for my website. This is the only spider in my life that I've disliked and I am trying hard to get over that. It's unfair and highly unlike me. I constantly read info about bites from this genus, and I am wondering whether any of this info should go on my website. My website is intended to be informative, but also to promote positive feelings for spiders. Spider Bob said he's been bit tons of times and never reacted as the articles imply. See the following sites:

Obviously I wouldn't like to a page called a spider a "pest":
http://www.pestcontrolmag.com/pestco...l.jsp?id=42129

http://entomology.uark.edu/museum/sacspider.html

http://www.ajtmh.org/cgi/content/abstract/74/6/1043

http://www.srv.net/~dkv/hobospider/yellosac.html

[Avic_Litee]

Please don't vote here if you've already voted on ATS.

[Venom]

I was bitten, but suffered only mild, temporary stinging and a slight bump. ( the specimen was very small, and was not held against my skin: it was a free-handling accident in which it bit me spontaneously, and obviously did not inject much venom. )

My sister was bitten, and you can read her bite report here:

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=68817


I was present to observe the symptoms and her general condition. The bite report is accurate: she was on crutches for quite some time.

I can provide other, almost identical bite reports if you would like. Bottom line on Cheiracanthium is they are nasty! --nasty nasty nasty!! :mad: :evil:

[cacoseraph]

well, i have a few spots that might be a slightly cytotoxic bite site, but i never saw the culprit and would not want to venture a guess of venom versus a ton of other more abundant and likely sources of cytotoxism.

i do free handle all the cheira i encounter though ;)
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b287/cacoseraph/aranea/handling/penultimate_male_C_mildeiA.jpg
zoom (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b287/cacoseraph/aranea/handling/penultimate_male_C_mildeiB.jpg)


i will try to goad some bites next time i come across one of these fellas

[spydrhunter1]

It's funny ...I must remove a half dozen of these things from the lab monthly and never had one offer to bite. P.S. don't tell the lab directors, I don't kill the spiders but release them outside.

[Venom]

i do free handle all the cheira i encounter though ;)

Your point? ;) You handle everything!!!:eek:

[loxoscelesfear]

we have both yellow sac and brown recluse where i work. of all the spiders to have around the job , it has to be two with nasty bites. yet, i dont kill them i like spiders they get tossed out the door

[Widowman10]

i hear their venom is kinda nasty (recluse like symptoms) but they are not very aggressive or fast. handling-friendly (unless of course you squish it, then it will definitely bite!)

[cacoseraph]

i hear their venom is kinda nasty (recluse like symptoms) but they are not very aggressive or fast. handling-friendly (unless of course you squish it, then it will definitely bite!)

the spider in that pic is named Seven Yellow Lightning Bolts because it was so freakin quick ;)

i would agree that they are very retreating, though

[buthus]

the spider in that pic is named Seven Yellow Lightning Bolts because it was so freakin quick ;)

i would agree that they are very retreating, though

I've kept a few of these. Cacoseraph is correct ...when they choose to move fast...they can really fly. ;)

[Venom]

A couple quotes from Darwin Vest's ( arachnologist ) website, hobospider.org:

"Yellow sac spiders are among the least known clinically significant spiders, but they are indeed capable of causing a painful bite with development of a necrotic lesion (not as severe as the brown recluse or hobo), and can sometimes produce systemic effects as well."

And especially:

"They are very prone to bite defensively (more so than any other significantly venomous U.S. spider)"


They aren't just fast, they're MEAN suckers!!

[cacoseraph]

well, of course i only have limited experience... but my local species (C. mildei, i think...) is just as retreating as all the other spiders i have played with. more so, if anything... those things can SCOOT!

[orcrist]

A friend of mine recieved a painful but inconsequential bite from one of these when we were young.

I haven't even seen one in about a year. :(

[Coastalsavvy]

The home I grew up in became infested with them about 7 yrs ago--they loved to hang out in the kitchen (Im sure they came in through the back door) This was before I knew anything about them and their toxicity, but we'd catch and release a few a day in the summertime. Anyway, I've never been bitten as far as I know,but if I have, there were no real reactions. I have had several on me (trying to catch them) and they dont seem to be as aggressive and defensive as they are made out to be. Like any other spiders, I think they'd just like to get away from the big bad humans.:}

Good luck on getting over your dislike of them!