FALSE WIDOW BITE TERROR
Irish species has similar toxins to its ‘black cousin’ research reveals
Noble false widow bite
A BITE from the false widow spider could be just as dangerous as the real thing, research has revealed.
The Noble species comes from the Canary Islands but has become native to Ireland in recent decades after first being spotted in Bray, Co Wicklow, during the 1990s.
It thrives in urban areas and is one of the most common spiders in parts of the country.
Up until now, the Noble false widow has been considered less dangerous than its notorious cousin the black widow.
But biting incidents are on the rise with victims reporting intense pain and swelling – and even lasting stiffness in limbs.
New Irish research has revealed the false widow can potentially deliver a very real dose of dangerous toxic venom in one bite.
A team of scientists from NUI Galway and the University of Liege in Belgium found the Irish spider produces many of the same toxins seen in black widow venom.
In fact, 111 out of a total 140 poisons recovered were found in both species – including compounds known to attack the central nervous system.
The research, which has been published in the journal Toxins, will strike terror into the heart of arachnophobes around the nation.
However, lead author John Dunbar said the risk of serious reaction to a bite is still low.
The NUI scientist added: “Although our study shows the venom of false widow spiders may be more potent than previously thought, it does not mean we need to fear them.
“In many parts of the world even ‘true’ black widow bites rarely require medical attention.
“This discovery will ultimately help medical professionals to diagnose and treat severe false widow bites.”
111 out of the 140 poisons found in black widow were also found in false widows