Bubble spider bite. Spider Bite Identification: Recognizing Symptoms and Dangers

22.09.202328.06.2023 by alexxlab

How do you identify a spider bite. What are the symptoms of a black widow spider bite. Can you differentiate between harmless and dangerous spider bites. What steps should you take after a spider bite.

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Common Misconceptions About Spider Bites

Spider bites are often misidentified and blamed for various skin conditions that are actually caused by other factors. Many spiders lack fangs long enough to penetrate human skin, and most spider bites are harmless. In the United States, only two species – the black widow and brown recluse – possess venom potent enough to cause significant harm to humans. Even then, fatalities from these bites are extremely rare.

Typical spider bites resemble common insect bites, presenting as small bumps on the skin that may become red, itchy, and slightly swollen. The pain is usually mild, comparable to a bee sting, and subsides within an hour. Without additional symptoms, it’s often impossible to definitively attribute such marks to spider bites based solely on appearance.

Black Widow Spider: Identification and Bite Symptoms

The black widow spider is easily recognizable by its shiny black body and the distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of its abdomen. These arachnids measure about half an inch in length and are commonly found in North America, particularly in southern and western regions of the United States. They prefer quiet, secluded areas such as closets, sheds, garages, and woodpiles.

A black widow bite may initially feel like a slight pinprick, often going unnoticed. Early signs include small red marks with some swelling. Within an hour, the pain intensifies and may radiate to the back, abdomen, and chest. Other symptoms may include:

Stomach cramps
Abdominal stiffness
Excessive sweating
Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Rapid heart rate
Nausea and vomiting

The bite area may continue to redden and swell over time.

Brown Recluse Spider: Characteristics and Bite Effects

While some people suggest looking for a violin-shaped marking on the brown recluse spider’s body, this can be misleading. A more reliable identifying feature is their eye arrangement: six eyes in three pairs, rather than the typical eight eyes of most spiders. Brown recluse spiders are primarily found in the southern Midwest and parts of the southern United States, preferring indoor environments like basements and attics.

A brown recluse bite may cause an initial stinging sensation, with pain increasing over the next 8 hours. The bite site often develops a small white blister surrounded by a red ring, resembling a bullseye. In some cases, the skin at the center of the bite turns blue or purple, and an open sore may form, expanding for up to 10 days. Although rare, some individuals may experience additional symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, and gastrointestinal distress.

Tarantula Bites: More Bark Than Bite

Despite their intimidating appearance, tarantulas found in the United States, primarily in the Southwest, have a bite that is more frightening than harmful. While painful and potentially lasting up to a week, tarantula bites typically only cause localized redness and warmth. However, some species can flick fine, barbed hairs from their abdomens as a defense mechanism. If these hairs embed in human skin, they may cause itching, swelling, and irritation.

Are all tarantulas harmless to humans?

While tarantulas found in the United States are generally not dangerous to humans, some species in other parts of the world can deliver more potent venom. It’s always best to exercise caution and avoid handling any unfamiliar spider species.

False Black Widows: A Case of Mistaken Identity

False black widows bear a striking resemblance to their more venomous counterparts but lack the characteristic red hourglass marking. These spiders vary in color from purplish-brown to black and are commonly found in homes along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts of the United States.

Bites from false black widows can cause pain that intensifies during the first hour, and blisters may form around the bite site. While these bites can induce general discomfort, including headaches and stomach upset, symptoms typically resolve within a few days.

Hobo Spiders: Debunking the Danger Myth

For years, hobo spiders were believed to be as dangerous as brown recluse spiders. However, recent research conducted over the past 15 years has largely debunked this notion, revealing that hobo spider bites are mostly harmless. Victims of hobo spider bites typically experience only mild pain, redness, and possible swelling.

These spiders are primarily found in the Pacific Northwest, often inhabiting woodpiles and retaining walls. They can be identified by a light stripe running down the middle of their bodies.

First Aid for Spider Bites: What to Do

Regardless of the spider species responsible for the bite, initial first aid steps remain consistent:

Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water
Apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection
Place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth on the bite to reduce swelling
If the bite is on a limb, elevate it
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain management
Use an antihistamine to alleviate swelling

When should you seek medical attention for a spider bite?

While most spider bites can be treated at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

Severe abdominal pain
Cramping
Vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Presence of an open sore or bullseye mark
Worsening of the bite after 24 hours
Spreading redness around the bite
Discharge from the bite site

If possible, safely capture the spider (even if it’s dead) and bring it with you to the doctor for identification.

Treatment Options for Severe Spider Bites

In cases of more severe spider bites, particularly those from black widows or brown recluses, medical professionals may prescribe medications to manage pain and relax muscles. While an antivenom exists for black widow spider bites, it’s rarely used due to the risk of serious allergic reactions. The antivenom is typically reserved for the most severe cases where other treatments have proven ineffective.

How effective is antivenom treatment for black widow spider bites?

Antivenom can be highly effective in neutralizing black widow venom and alleviating symptoms. However, due to potential side effects and the body’s ability to often overcome the venom naturally, it’s used sparingly and only in the most severe cases under close medical supervision.

Preventing Spider Bites: Simple Precautions

While spider bites are relatively rare, taking some simple precautions can further reduce your risk:

Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior to prevent spiders from entering
Keep storage areas clean and organized, reducing hiding spots for spiders
Wear gloves when working in areas where spiders may hide, such as woodpiles or storage sheds
Shake out shoes and clothing that have been stored in dark, quiet areas before wearing them
Use caution when reaching into dark spaces or moving items that have been undisturbed for long periods

Can certain plants or essential oils repel spiders?

Some plants and essential oils are believed to have spider-repelling properties. Peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender oils are often cited as natural spider deterrents. While scientific evidence is limited, using these oils around your home may help discourage spider activity. Always use essential oils safely and as directed.

Debunking Spider Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Many misconceptions surround spiders and their bites. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth: You can always identify a spider bite by its appearance

Reality: Most spider bites are indistinguishable from other insect bites or skin irritations without witnessing the spider in action.

Myth: All spiders are dangerous to humans

Reality: The vast majority of spiders are harmless to humans, and even venomous species rarely cause serious harm.

Myth: Spiders actively seek out humans to bite

Reality: Spiders generally bite humans only as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened or are accidentally pressed against the skin.

Myth: You swallow multiple spiders in your sleep each year

Reality: This is a widespread urban legend with no basis in fact. Spiders have little interest in crawling into a person’s mouth.

The Ecological Importance of Spiders

Despite their often-negative reputation, spiders play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. These arachnids are natural pest controllers, helping to keep insect populations in check. By consuming vast quantities of insects, spiders indirectly protect crops and reduce the spread of insect-borne diseases.

How many insects can a single spider consume in a year?

While it varies by species and size, some estimates suggest that a single spider can eat up to 2,000 insects in a year. This significant appetite for insects makes spiders valuable allies in natural pest control.

Additionally, spider silk, renowned for its strength and elasticity, has inspired various technological and medical innovations. Researchers are exploring applications ranging from bullet-proof vests to surgical sutures, highlighting the potential benefits spiders offer beyond their ecological role.

Spider Bites in Different Parts of the World

While this article primarily focuses on spider species found in the United States, it’s important to note that different regions around the world have their own potentially dangerous spider species. For example:

Australia is home to the Sydney funnel-web spider, considered one of the most venomous spiders in the world
South America has the Brazilian wandering spider, known for its potent venom and aggressive behavior
Europe generally has fewer dangerously venomous spiders, but species like the Mediterranean black widow can still pose risks

When traveling to different parts of the world, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with local spider species and take appropriate precautions.

Are there any universal signs of a dangerous spider bite?

While symptoms can vary, some general signs that may indicate a potentially dangerous spider bite include:

Intense pain that increases over time
Rapid swelling or blistering at the bite site
Spreading redness or discoloration
Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or nausea
Muscle cramps or rigidity

If you experience these symptoms after a suspected spider bite, especially in an area known for venomous spiders, seek medical attention promptly.

Advancements in Spider Bite Treatment

Medical science continues to advance in the treatment of spider bites, particularly those from more venomous species. Some recent developments include:

Improved antivenoms with fewer side effects
Better understanding of venom components, leading to more targeted treatments
Advanced wound care techniques for necrotic spider bites
Development of rapid diagnostic tests to identify specific spider venoms

These advancements are helping to reduce the severity of outcomes from dangerous spider bites and improve patient care.

What new treatments are being researched for spider bites?

Researchers are exploring several innovative approaches to spider bite treatment, including:

Gene therapy to neutralize venom effects at the cellular level
Nanotechnology-based delivery systems for antivenom
Development of universal antivenoms effective against multiple spider species
Use of natural compounds that may inhibit venom activity

While many of these treatments are still in experimental stages, they hold promise for improving spider bite management in the future.

Living Alongside Spiders: A Balanced Approach

Given the ecological benefits of spiders and the relatively low risk they pose to humans, it’s important to foster a balanced approach to coexisting with these creatures. Here are some tips for maintaining a spider-friendly environment while minimizing personal risk:

Educate yourself about local spider species to distinguish between harmless and potentially dangerous ones
Implement natural spider deterrents in high-traffic areas of your home
Create designated “spider-friendly” zones in your garden or yard to support local ecosystems
Use catch-and-release methods to remove spiders from living spaces rather than killing them
Maintain a clutter-free environment to reduce hiding spots for spiders inside your home

How can you create a spider-friendly garden that’s also safe for humans?

To create a spider-friendly garden that remains safe for human use:

Plant native species that attract insects, providing a natural food source for spiders
Incorporate rock gardens or log piles to create habitats for ground-dwelling spiders
Minimize the use of pesticides to maintain a balanced ecosystem
Keep seating areas and pathways clear of dense vegetation to reduce accidental encounters
Use outdoor lighting thoughtfully, as it can attract insects and, consequently, hunting spiders

By adopting these practices, you can support local spider populations while maintaining a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for yourself and your family.

Pictures To Identify Spiders And Their Bites

Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on August 27, 2021

Spiders are blamed for all kinds of things that turn out to be skin infections or some other bug’s fault. Most don’t even have fangs long enough to break your skin. When they do bite, they’re typically harmless. In the U.S., only the black widow and brown recluse have venom strong enough to really hurt you. And their bites are rarely deadly to humans.

They’re pretty much just like an insect bite. For the most part, you can’t tell a spider bit you just from your symptoms. You’ll get a little bump on your skin. It might get red, itchy, and swell up a bit. It might hurt, but no more than a bee sting and usually not for more than an hour or so. That’s basically it — unless you’re bitten by a venomous spider.

This spider’s telltale sign is the red hourglass shape on the bottom of its big, round abdomen — the back part of the body. Black widows are shiny and black and about half an inch long. You can find them anywhere in North America, but mostly they’re in the southern and western areas in the U.S. They like quiet, out-of-the-way places like closets, sheds, garages, and woodpiles.

The bite feels like a pinprick, so you may not notice it. The first signs might be small, red marks with some swelling. Within an hour, it’ll hurt a little more, and the pain might spread to your back, belly, and chest. You might have stomach cramps, and your belly might feel a little stiff. You may also sweat a lot. In serious cases, you can have trouble breathing, along with a fast heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. The area around the bite may continue to get redder and more swollen.

People sometimes say to look for the small violin shape on the part of the body where the legs attach, but that’s easy to get wrong. Check the eyes instead. Most spiders have eight eyes in two rows of four. Here, look for six eyes: two in front, and two on each side. They live mostly in the southern Midwest and parts of the South. They like to stay indoors, tucked away deep in the stuff in your basement or attic.

You might feel a little sting at first, but it’ll hurt more over the next 8 hours. You also might see a small white blister that has a red ring around it, like a bullseye. Sometimes, the skin in the middle of the bite can turn blue or purple, and you may have an open sore that gets bigger for up to 10 days. It doesn’t happen often, but some people also have other symptoms like fever, chills, rash, and an upset stomach.

Their big, hairy look is much worse than their bite. At least this is true for the ones in the U.S., where you find them mostly in the Southwest. Make no mistake, their bite hurts, sometimes for up to a week. It might also get red and warm, but that’s the worst of it. Some types of tarantulas can also flick fine barbed hairs from their belly at you. If these stick in your skin, they can cause itching, swelling, and irritation.

These look a lot like black widows, but they don’t have the red hourglass. And their color ranges from purplish-brown to black. They like to cozy up in homes along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. Pain from their bite can get worse in the first hour and you may get some blisters around it. It might make you feel generally sick with a headache or an upset stomach, but this will pass within a few days.

At one point, these were thought to be really dangerous, like the brown recluse. But the past 15 years of research says they’re mostly harmless. You won’t get much more than some redness and mild pain, and maybe some swelling. They’re found in the Pacific Northwest, usually in places like woodpiles and retaining walls. They often have a light stripe running down the middle of their bodies.

The first steps are the same for all spider bites, even those from a black widow or brown recluse. Clean the area with soap and water and put on some antibiotic cream. Then take a cloth and wet it with cold water or wrap it around some ice and put that on the bite. If you were bitten on your arm or leg, raise it up. You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and an antihistamine for swelling.

Get checked out right away if you have symptoms beyond the bite, like serious pain in your belly, cramps, throwing up, or trouble breathing. You also should see your doctor if you have an open sore or a bullseye mark, or if the bite gets worse after 24 hours. Look out for things like pain around the bite getting worse, redness that’s spreading, and fluid coming from the bite. If you can do it safely, take the spider with you, even if it’s dead.

You may get prescription drugs to ease the pain and relax your muscles. There’s an antivenom for black widows, but it’s rarely used because some people have a serious reaction to it. And it’s almost never really needed. It’s saved for more serious bites in the very young, very old, or people who have other health issues.

This is mostly about managing the wound so it doesn’t get infected. If you have a bump and redness, your doctor might recommend antihistamines or a cream to help with swelling and itchiness. For an open sore, you need to clean it daily and use antibiotic cream. From there, you should keep an eye on things, especially for symptoms beyond the bite, like fever or chills.

It’s not very common, but just like with bee stings, some people are allergic to spider bites. Watch for swelling in your face or mouth, trouble talking or swallowing, tightness in your chest, or trouble breathing. If you feel any of these symptoms or see them in someone you’re with, get help right away.

If you’re poking around in woodpiles, sheds, attics, and other areas, wear long sleeves and a hat, and tuck your pants into your socks. Make sure to shake out work gloves, boots, and clothes you haven’t used in a while, because spiders can hide in them, too. And don’t keep rocks, lumber, or firewood near your house. Inside, don’t put your bed directly against the wall, and don’t store things under it.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) Ingram Publishing / Thinkstock

2) ISM / CID / Medical Images

3) spotwin / Thinkstock

4) Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

5) StephenFB / Thinkstock

6) Francesco Tomasinelli / Science Source

7) vovashevchuk / Thinkstock

8) Les Stocker / Getty Images

9) randimal / Thinkstock

10) Tatomm / Thinkstock

11) Jevtic / Thinkstock

12) thegoodphoto / Thinkstock

13) itman__47 / Thinkstock

14) Dr P. Marazzi / Science Source

15) deiata / Thinkstock

SOURCES:

Mayo Clinic: “Spider Bites,” “Spider Bites: First Aid.”

PestWorld.org: “Spider Bites: Symptoms, Signs & Spider Bite Treatment.”

KidsHealth: “First Aid: Spider Bites.”

University of California Riverside: “Brown Recluse ID.”

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health: “Venomous Spiders.”

Merck Manual, Professional Version: “Spider Bites.”

American Family Physician: “Common Spider Bites.”

Medscape: “Medically Significant Spider Bites: Keys to Diagnosis and Treatment.”

University of Florida Health: “Tarantula Spider Bite. ”

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences: “False Black Widow Spider.”

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: “Spider Bites.”

Spider Bite Symptoms: What Does a Spider Bite Look and Feel Like?

It’s easy to have sympathy for the itsy-bitsy spider if you’re not actively worried about whether its eight legs are crawling all over you or the cause of a suspicious bite mark on your body. Before you let the mere thought of spiders spike your anxiety, know this: Most spider bites are totally harmless and only a few spider species have fangs long enough to pierce human skin. You’re also more likely to encounter a bite-happy spider when, say, digging out your seasonal clothes in the basement than when you’re outdoors on a hike, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Plus, it’s pretty difficult to identify what, exactly, bit you unless you see it in action. “Spider bites generally look very similar to insect bites or stings,” Craig Mittleman, MD, FACEP, and the emergency department director at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in Connecticut, tells SELF. This can be especially confusing when the weather is still mild enough to expect bites from pesky critters like mosquitoes and ticks.

That said, there might be a few signs that you’re dealing with a spider bite specifically. Here are the symptoms to keep on your radar, plus when you should consider seeing a doctor.

Signs of a spider bite | Spider bite treatment | When is a spider bite an emergency? | How to prevent spider bites

First, it’s worth noting that the majority of spiders have zero interest in biting you, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). There are more than 3,500 types of spiders in the US alone, but only about 50 of them actually bite humans when they feel threatened. Of those biting spiders, only two have venom that is poisonous to people—the black widow and the brown recluse—so most bites usually aren’t a cause for concern.

But let’s say you’re pretty positive you have a spider bite, and you’re feeling a bit unsettled by that possibility. Generally, spider bite symptoms can vary depending on the species, but here’s what to look out for:

1. Two fang-like puncture marks

If you look closely, you might be able to see two puncture marks near the suspected bite spot. “These are made by the fangs piercing the skin,” Eric Ascher, DO, family medicine physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, tells SELF. Sometimes these are visible, and sometimes they’re tricky to see with the naked eye.

2. An itchy bump or a gnarly rash

The appearance of a potential spider bite rash depends on the type of spider involved, Dr. Ascher says. If it’s a nonvenomous spider bite, you might have a simple itchy bump on your skin. It might even go unnoticed, depending on the location.

But if you’re bitten by a venomous spider—like a black widow or a brown recluse, both of which can cause necrotizing wounds—your rash will be difficult to ignore and may even warrant a trip to the ER. “It may present as a blister with pus, an area of hardened skin, or a bull’s eye patterned bruise with an outer dark ring around a central dark ring,” Dr. Ascher says. Sometimes, these skin symptoms take time to appear. In the case of a brown recluse bite, you may not see an ulcerated wound develop for seven to 14 days after the bite.¹

3. Noticeable skin discoloration

The rash caused by a spider bite will likely take on a different color from your surrounding skin. This all depends on your complexion and the type of spider that may have bitten you. For instance, if you have a lighter skin tone, a harmless spider bite will likely cause red or pink discoloration. If you have a darker skin tone, a nonvenomous might look reddish brown, Dr. Ascher says.

5 most dangerous spiders in Kazakhstan ᐈ zakon.kz

Most people, to some extent, experience an unconscious fear of arachnids and a physical aversion to them. There is even a hypothesis that the development of an arachnophobic reaction took place within the framework of human evolutionary development and was fixed at the genetic level. And these fears are quite justified, given that these creatures are common in almost all regions of the planet, and many of them can easily kill a person. Zakon.kz decided to prepare a selection of the most dangerous representatives of the arachnid class living in Kazakhstan.

Karakurt

This spider is considered one of the most dangerous for humans. Not only is the poison of the karakurt very toxic (15 times stronger than the poison of a rattlesnake), and in a very short time causes general intoxication of the body, this creature loves to settle in human habitats – in attics, in sheds, in woodpile, outdoor toilets and dry heaps of rubbish. Also, he often hides from the sun in tents, sleeping bags, under clothes thrown off while swimming.

In Kazakhstan, karakurt can be found in all regions, except for North Kazakhstan region. The usual habitat of the spider is virgin sagebrush, steppes, banks, slopes of ravines. He likes to settle in stone rubble, in rodent burrows, in cracks at the base of rocks.

The only danger for humans is the female, which reaches a size of 10-20 mm. The bite of a karakurt usually does not cause severe pain and leaves only a small red spot that disappears quickly. Therefore, the patient sometimes does not even realize that he has become a victim of a spider, and doctors cannot always make the correct diagnosis, confusing the symptoms that have arisen with other diseases.

If the bite nevertheless occurred, then it is useless to suck out the poison, although there is an opinion among the people that if in the first minutes after the bite you burn this place by igniting a couple of match heads right on the wound, then the poison is quickly destroyed. Doctors advise to disinfect the wound with brilliant green or iodine, give the victim a tablet of suprastin or diphenhydramine (but in no case do not give alcohol), and urgently deliver to the first-aid post.

The venom of the karakurt is 15 times stronger than that of the rattlesnake.

Photo source: Odessa life.

Yellow sak

This poisonous spider mainly lives in the southern regions of Kazakhstan, although in recent years, residents of areas where it was not seen at all have been increasingly affected by its bites in recent years. For example, in VKO. It is assumed that their habitat is growing not without the help of people who bring fruits and vegetables from the south.

The body size of the yellow saka usually does not exceed one centimeter in length, and it is mainly nocturnal. Usually spiders live in pairs and weave cocoons on stones, crossbeams or pipes located above the ground. The spider is quite good at jumping, which helps it hunt insects and also protect its nest from danger.

Although this spider’s venom is not fatal to humans, it can be a serious hazard to children, the elderly and people with allergies. The bites themselves are very painful, accompanied by high fever, severe headache, increased pressure, extensive redness at the site of the lesion.

When bitten by a yellow sack, first of all, wash the bitten place with warm water and soap, trying not to rub the skin too much. Treat the wound with an antiseptic. Apply cold to the affected area (ice, a bottle of cold water) and hold for 10 minutes. Then take a 10-minute break and repeat the procedure again. And so on until the pain subsides. In this case, you should remain calm, drink plenty of fluids, and if an allergic reaction occurs, take antihistamines. Also, the victim must be taken to the first-aid post.

Usually these spiders live in pairs and cocoon on stones, beams or pipes located above the ground.

Photo source: Imenno.ru.

Tarantula

This spider lives almost on the whole territory of Kazakhstan. Most often it is found in the steppe, desert and other arid regions, although it often settles in the forest-steppe zone. Several species of tarantulas live in our country, but the most common is the South Russian spider or mizgir.

During the day, tarantulas hide in vertical burrows, and at night they come to the surface to hunt insects. The web is used exclusively for covering walls and forming an egg cocoon, but not for weaving trapping nets. At the same time, tarantulas often arrange their shelters in summer cottages and in the courtyards of private houses, which often leads to unwanted contacts with humans.

All tarantulas are poisonous to a greater or lesser extent. But although their bite is very painful, it is usually not fatal. Most often, it causes severe redness and swelling that lasts for several days, and sometimes even small blisters. Also often there are symptoms such as headache, fever, numbness of the limb, weakness. In especially severe cases, with the development of a strong allergic reaction, the bitten person may die.

First aid measures for a tarantula bite are the same as for a yellow sack bite.

Although a tarantula bite is very painful, it is usually not fatal.

Photo source: poznavayka.org.

Scorpion

Three types of scorpions are most widespread in Kazakhstan: yellow, Caucasian and Rickmers scorpion. Although they are all venomous, it has been observed that light-colored steppe scorpions have much stronger poison than darker forest scorpions. The size of the claws also matters – the larger they are, the weaker the poison, and vice versa.

Scorpions live in almost all regions and hunt only at night, hiding during the day under stones, in leaves, under roots or in dug holes. Their venom contains substances that destroy blood cells and affect the nervous system.

For humans (with the exception of those who suffer from hypersensitivity to this allergen), a scorpion sting is usually not fatal. However, the venom attacks the nerve endings, causing severe pain and inflammation at the site of the bite, and in some cases general weakness, fever, nausea, and dizziness. The most dangerous are bites in the neck and heart area.

If a person has been stung by a scorpion, then, first of all, one should try to squeeze out the poison or make (with a previously disinfected knife) a small incision in the area of the sting and suck it out. But it should be remembered that in the mouth of the rescuer there should not be any ulcers or wounds through which the poison can penetrate into the blood.

Doctors also recommend treating the stung area with an antiseptic and applying cold and (or) a tight bandage to the bite site (which will slow down the action of the poison), give the victim some anti-allergic drugs and take him to the nearest first-aid post.

It has been observed that light-colored steppe scorpions have a much stronger venom than darker forest scorpions.

Photo source: animal-photos.ru.

Falanga

There are about 1000 species of phalanges in the world (it is also a solpuga, bihorka, camel spider), but in Kazakhstan the Central Asian (Caspian) phalanx is mainly found, reaching 5-7 centimeters in length.

The Phalanx is known for its fearlessness and willingness to take on any creature that attacks it, as well as its boundless curiosity. Attracted by the light from a fire, a lantern or a lighted window, she can run into a tent or house, and it is very problematic to drive her out. Also, the phalanx can use a backpack, shoes and other things left unattended as shelter from the sun.

Feeling threatened, the phalanx will not try to escape, but will desperately resist, which, given its agility and speed, as well as the ability to easily climb vertical surfaces and jump to a height of more than a meter, can cause a lot of trouble to a person. Especially when you consider that because of the hard shell, it is impossible to crush it on sand or soft ground.

Although the phalanges do not have venom, their bites are very painful for humans, since digestive juice from the mouth opening of the phalanx can get into the wound. In addition, rotting remains of their victims remain on chelicerae (all phalanges are carnivorous and omnivorous), which, once in a wound, can cause not only inflammation, but also blood poisoning.

When bitten by a phalanx, immediately rinse the wound with clean water (but not from open sources where bacteria can be) and treat with any antiseptic – hydrogen peroxide, iodine, brilliant green and even vodka. After that, you should seal the wound with a plaster or bandage, give the victim some painkillers and seek professional medical help.

The Phalanx is known for its fearlessness and willingness to take on any creature that attacks it.

Photo source: ukusili.net.