VENOM TOXICITY ✦ Huntsman Spider bite is low risk (non
toxic) to humans ✦ they are non-aggressive spiders ✦ but,
a large individual can give a painful bite ✦ BEWARE in summer when the
female spider is guarding her egg sacs or young.
Area of distribution ✦ Australia-wide.
Spider Identification ✦ adult varies
to 15 mm in body length ✦ has long legs ✦ diameter of adult
including legs up to 45 mm ✦ first 2 pairs of legs are longer
than rear two ✦ hairy ✦ buff to beige brown colour ✦ with dark
patches on the body.
Habitat ✦ often found under flaking bark of trees ✦ under flat rocks ✦ under eaves ✦ within roof spaces of buildings ✦ may wander into homes ✦ it is a shy, timid spider that can move sideways at lighting-fast speed when disturbed.
FIRST AID - Huntsman Spider Bite
[1] Keep the patient calm - don't panic - avoid excitement - avoid undue movement of patient - reassure the patient - so as to avoid quikening the heart rate and blood flow (with venom) through the body.
[2] Do NOT bandage - except for Funnel-web spider bite. The venom of other spider bites moves slowly from the bite site - so any restriction causes excruciating pain.
[2] Use an ICE-PACK (wrapped in cloth) on bite site - to help reduce pain and swelling around the bite site.
[3] If serious symptoms exist - call AMBULANCE dial 000.
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