Jumping spider takes unfair rap
Black jumping spiders are taking the rap for the dirty deeds done by other groups of the eight-legged web variety.
NOT guilty!
Black jumping spiders are taking the rap for the dirty deeds done by other groups of the eight-legged web variety.
That’s the opinion of Richards Bay resident Danie Heenop, after newspaper reports of serious damage being done to the flesh of spider bite victims.
Quoting renowned authority Prof Ansie Dippenaar, author and lecturer at the University of Pretoria, he says the jumping spider is totally harmless to humans.
With over 4 000 species of arachnid classifications in South Africa – and counting – it’s not surprising that there could be confusion or mistaken identity.
So which is the culprit whose septic bite eats away the flesh of its victims?
‘It can only be one of two well-known perpetrators here in KZN: the Sac spider or the Violin spider,’ says Heenop.
‘Their venom contains a cytotoxin, which means it kills cells and will lead to tissue breakdown and blistering at the bite site and must be treated immediately as they occasionally even lead to amputations.’
Heenop reminds us that spiders play an important role in nature in controlling insect populations.
‘By the way, spiders drink water, which is why they are regularly encountered around wash basins.’
