How to Identify a Brazilian Wandering Spider

The Brazilian Wandering Spider is the common name for any spider in the phoneutria genus, which has five species. North American collectors are most commonly referring to phoneutria fera when using this name. This species is frequently considered to be the most venomous spider in the world. The following steps will help you identify this highly dangerous spider.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Check for the distinctive red chelicerae to distinguish the Brazilian Wandering Spider from similar spiders. The body and legs can vary from light brown to yellow in color.
2. Look at the size of the venom glands as they can be up to 1 cm long. Females can have a body up to an inch long with a leg span of up to 5 inches. The legs are long and slender for the body size. Males are similarly proportioned but much smaller.
3. Watch the great speed of the Brazilian Wandering Spider. Because it does not build a burrow or web, it chases down its prey like other hunting spiders.
4. Observe the aggressive behavior; this species is known to attack humans. The Brazilian Wandering Spider raises its front legs and exposes its jaws when threatened.
5. Go to their native South America to find the Brazilian Wandering Spider, found commonly in homes there. In North America, they are only rarely found in banana bunches, which is why Brazilian Wandering Spiders are also called Banana Spiders.

Tips & Warnings

• All spiders are venomous, but this genus is particularly dangerous because it is extremely poisonous and aggressive. A fully envenomed bite can easily kill a human.