Following the episode of the man from Terni saved almost by a miracle thanks to the expertise of the hospital’s medical staff, many are afraid of the violin spider. Indeed, the little arachnid is widespread throughout our peninsula and it is not unusual to come face to face with it. It has a decidedly insignificant appearance, not too different from the very common spiders, but there is a way to distinguish it. Here’s what to do and what to do in case of a bite. How the violin spider is made
As you can see from the photo, the violin spider is not that different from other very common spiders we are in contact with. Especially if we live outside the city. However, it has some differences, some visible to the naked eye, others less so. One of the least visible is the presence of six eyes grouped in groups of three, unlike the others who generally have eight eyes. It is very small, yellowish-brown in color and can reach a maximum length of 10 millimeters (the body), but these dimensions are more common in the female. The male is smaller but has longer and thinner legs. One of the most important signs that will help you to distinguish it from decidedly more harmless arachnids, is the presence, on the thorax, of a darker spot in the shape of a violin. Where is it
It is a spider that does not like the cold, therefore in the northern regions it is easier to find it indoors than outside, especially during the winter. In summer, however, it is possible to find it everywhere, both in the city and in the countryside. In daylight hours, however, he prefers to stay holed up (behind furniture, in cardboard boxes, behind skirting boards, in socks, inside quanta and in wardrobes) and hardly moves. Love the dark
It is a rather solitary spider that loves the dark, when it goes in search of a female. It is found in the hollows of trees, under stones, or in any place it can hide very easily. Sometimes, however, it can also mistakenly take refuge under our sheets, increasing the risk of bite. It is important to point out that it is not an aggressive spider and will only bite if frightened. In general, however, he prefers to flee. The poison is in symptoms
The poison represents the most fearful part of the little spider. The substance it emits during the bite, in fact, carries out a necrotizing action with the appearance of swelling and pain in the affected tissues. All this can generate fever and, in the presence of such symptoms, it is important to contact the local emergency room. The greatest danger, as always, occurs in allergic subjects, who can develop the so-called loxoscelism. The latter is evident with the formation of an ulcer that can become large and heal even after several weeks. The initial symptoms
Immediately after the spider bite, symptoms are unlikely to develop, and in the affected area, almost never anything abnormal is seen. But after a few hours, the bite area appears red, itchy, tingling and sometimes burning. Two or three days after the bite, tissue necrosis and, in some cases, ulcers can be seen. Swelling and fever may also appear. Symptoms can become more severe in the event that the spider, in addition to the venom, carries bacteria that live in allocates of oxygen. These could cause some tissues to liquefy and cause damage to various organs (muscles, kidneys, heart, lungs). In such cases it may be necessary to use the hyperbaric chamber. The dangers of the violin spider
Generally, if action is taken promptly, the spider leaves no serious consequences. But this can also depend on the area of ​​the bite and on the tissues in which the necrotizing action took place. People suffering from diabetes, neurological, haematological and cardiovascular diseases are at greater risk of adverse effects. In the year 2015, for example, it is believed that one of the first victims in Europe was a woman who died following a violin spider bite, probably because of a neuromuscular disease. Same thing goes for a case that occurred in Sardinia to a man last year, more precisely on 3 September. It seems that even in this case the death was not caused directly by the spider’s venom but due to the worsening of the symptoms of the serious pathologies that were already underway.What to do in case of a bite
If you see the small animal biting, go immediately to the nearest emergency room, preferably with the arachnid captured or killed for greater identification. In the meantime, you can also contact the Poison Control Center on 02.661.010.29 to get more information on treatment and recognition. The same poison center has also published an interesting brochure to distinguish the more or less poisonous spiders found in Italy. It is possible to find it at this address.
