Welcome to the fascinating world of cane spiders! These eight-legged creatures, known for their long, hairy legs and imposing size, can be found in tropical regions all over the world. If you’ve ever visited a place like Hawaii, chances are you’ve encountered these impressive arachnids.
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While their appearance can be intimidating, These spiders are generally harmless to humans. That being said, their size does make them fearsome to many people, and it’s not uncommon to be on guard against their bites.
Despite this, These spiders are fascinating creatures that add an exotic touch to any tropical environment.
Are you curious about whether it can bite? It’s a common question that is frequently asked by many people. The truth is, They do bite, but it’s not very common for them to bite humans unless they feel threatened or provoked.
Their typical targets are small animals in tropical regions. However, if they do bite, it can be harmful, especially if it’s not treated promptly. So if you want to ensure your safety from these spiders, read our complete guide that includes some helpful and common facts about them.
Learn more about what they can do, who their target prey is, and how to stay safe when in their presence.
Cane spider: facts you need to know
Cane spiders, renowned for their captivating and distinct characteristics, set themselves apart from other spiders. These fascinating creatures bear multiple common names, bestowed upon them based on their defining features. Belonging to the sparassidae family, known for their exceptional speed, They captivate with their impressive traits.
Often referred to as large brown spiders, which can boast substantial bodies. They also go by the names of banana spiders, brown huntsman, and giant crab spiders. Female possess a plump abdomen and shorter legs compared to their male counterparts.
Abundantly found in the Hawaiian islands, cane spiders showcase an astonishing ability to detect approaching disturbances. This keen sense of awareness causes them to exhibit shyness when approached by humans, swiftly retreating and seeking refuge from larger creatures.
With a lifespan of merely two years, cane spiders are capable of biting humans. However, their intent is not to cause harm but rather to protect themselves from perceived threats, utilizing their venomous bite. Nevertheless, a cane spider bite may result in swelling and behavioural changes in the affected individual.
Perhaps one of the most astonishing revelations about cane spiders is their unconventional lifestyle—they do not weave webs for survival. Instead, the female partner acts as a nurturing haven for their eggs, providing shelter within her own mouth for extended periods. During this time, the female diligently guards her offspring, ensuring their well-being.
Does cane spider bite?
Cane spiders may sound intimidating, with their reputation for preying on small animals and insects and delivering nasty bites to defend themselves. However, the likelihood of being bitten by one is actually quite low, as they are known for their agility and speed and tend to shy away from larger creatures.
If you do happen to approach a cane spider and offend it, it is possible for them to use its bite as a means of protection; but this is a rare occurrence. These spiders typically reside in hot, tropical areas and are vulnerable to colder climates. So unless you bother them, chances are you won’t even know they’re there.
Who is the target prey of cane spiders?
Cane spiders may seem like a creature you wouldn’t want to welcome into your home, but you might want to reconsider. While they may be big and intimidating, they actually serve a valuable purpose in keeping your house free of pesky insects, scorpions, and even bats.
These predators prey on a variety of small animals and insects, including mosquitos, moths, and cockroaches. Therefore if you see a cane spider, think twice before reaching for your shoe to squish it. By allowing them to do their job, they can help keep your home insect-free without the need for harmful pesticides.
Are cane spiders harmful?
Cane spiders have earned themselves a bit of a bad reputation due to their aggressive and creepy appearance. However, those who have encountered these creatures can attest to just how peaceful they truly are. Contrary to popular belief, cane spiders rarely bite humans.
And even in the rare instances where a bite does occur, it’s not as dangerous as other insect bites. In fact, these small creatures can be sympathetic allies in the battle against annoying house bugs and pesky moths. But if you do happen to get bitten, fret not. There are steps you can take to alleviate the pain and swelling.
Cane Spider Bites: What Should I DO?
In the unfortunate event of a cane spider bite, it’s natural for the affected area to swell up in response. You might also experience a headache and a slight change in body temperature. However, there’s no need to panic as the symptoms are typically milder than anticipated. You can alleviate the discomfort by following a few helpful tips:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the bitten area with soap for at least 30 seconds, ensuring all traces of soap are rinsed away with water.
- Take a soft towel and soak it in cold water. Gently place the soaked towel on the swollen part of your body, applying continuous but gentle pressure with the cloth.
- Regularly massaging the swollen area with a moist cloth can help prevent further swelling.
- For more effective results, consider using ice cubes as a massage tool. The cold temperature of the ice cubes can help reduce swelling and prevent further complications.
- It’s possible to experience some level of pain after the bite. However, the pain is usually less severe than anticipated, presenting a combination of mild sweetness and stinging sensation, accompanied by itching in the affected area.
- To alleviate both pain and swelling, using ice cubes as a massaging aid is the most effective solution. With time, the symptoms should subside, although the duration of relief may vary depending on the severity of the bite.
Remember to seek medical attention if the symptoms worsen or if you have any concerns about the bite.
How to avoid getting bitten by cane spiders?
Cane spider have a preference for warm environments, which leads them to seek shelter in houses and other heated spaces during the summer. Despite their eerie reputation, these creatures are generally less harmful than rumoured. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to take precautions to avoid contact with them.
- Avoid attempting to catch cane spiders when you come across them, particularly refraining from handling them with your bare hands to prevent potential bites.
- When cleaning your house, specifically areas such as bathrooms, shelves, and curtains where cane spiders tend to take up residence, it is recommended to always wear gloves as a preventive measure. This will help minimize the risk of direct contact with the spiders and ensure your safety.
FAQs
Is the Hawaiian cane spider poisonous?
The answer is no. The Hawaiian cane spider is not poisonous to humans, though it does have venom that it uses to subdue its prey. This venom is not dangerous to humans and is not considered a significant threat.
What is the biggest spider in Hawaii?
This arachnid is the biggest spider found in Hawaii, measuring up to four inches in size, including its leg span! Though its size may intimidate some, the Hawaiian garden spider is relatively harmless to humans and mainly feeds on insects. Despite this, encountering one of these giants in the wild can be quite the experience, proving that even in paradise, nature can surprise us in the most unexpected ways.
How do you get rid of cane spiders?
One method is to simply catch and release them outside, away from your living space. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner to suck them up and dispose of them. If you prefer a more natural approach, try planting peppermint or citrus plants around your home, as they are known to repel spiders. Remember, prevention is also key in avoiding future infestations. Keep your home clean and free of clutter, regularly check for any cracks in walls or foundations, and seal up any potential entry points to discourage cane spiders from coming inside.
Final Words
The cane spider may be a large brown spider with a big body and fat belly, but it’s the creature’s long hairy legs that make it so unique. These legs are incredibly powerful, allowing the spider to trap prey with ease and hold it in place until it’s ready to be devoured. While they do prey on small animals and insects, they tend to keep a safe distance from humans.
That being said, if a human does happen to get bitten by a cane spider, the results can be painful. However, with a few hours of careful treatment, the swelling and pain will subside. For those who are interested in exploring the cane spider and its many intriguing facts and characteristics, the mentioned ways of curing symptoms and more will undoubtedly be of great interest.
Reference:
- https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/1083162145
- https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/521854675554271316/
- https://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/detail/hawaiian-cane-spider/
A motivated philosophy graduate and student of wildlife conservation with a deep interest in human-wildlife relationships, including wildlife communication, environmental education, and conservation anthropology. Offers strong interpersonal, research, writing, and creativity skills.
