Widow spiders poison 230 times more than native species, scientists discover | Science & Technology News
A study has shown that the bite of a pseudo-noble widow spider is 230 times more poisonous than the native Irish spider.
A team of researchers at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) investigated the potency of the spider’s venom to understand why it was so successful in spreading across towns and cities around the world. gender.
They discovered that the venom of this species is not only much stronger than any common Nordic spider, but it can also adapt its attack behavior to win in different situations. .
The study also revealed false widows can make calculated decisions about whether to attack large or small prey depending on how much of their venom remains in their glands.
If there is little venom, they will avoid large opponents that can injure them and instead focus on small prey.
The fake noble widow spider killed and ate 95% of its opponents during the research
The scientists also discovered that during battle, the widows pretending to be aristocrats did not inject their venom at random, but instead targeted the parts of the enemy’s body with the most nerves – where its nerve venom was. will be most effective.
It may explain why this species is able to conquer much larger animals such as lizards, bats, shrews and other arachnids.
The pseudo-noble widow spider killed and ate 95% of its opponents during the study, published in the international journal Toxins.
Originally from Madeira and the Canary Islands, widow pseudo aristocratic (Steatoda nobilis) has the potential to become one of the world’s most invasive spiders.
Noble fake widow spider has the potential to become one of the most invasive spiders in the world
It was first reported in southern England in 1879 and has spread to Scotland, Wales and Ireland in recent decades, as well as Europe, East Asia, North and South America.
Its numbers in the UK have increased rapidly since the 1980s.
Spider bites can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe, although little is known about its impact on native species.
Dr Michel Dugon, who for the past five years has led the research team at NUIG’s Venom Systems laboratory, said: “Over the years, we have learned a lot about the noble and false widow and its venom.
“This study is another important step toward understanding the true impact this species has on the ecosystems it colonizes around the world.”
In March, scientists released an image showing the first record case of a false noble widow spider eating a protected species of bat in the UK.
Senior co-author Dr John Dunbar described the noble false widow spider as a “really remarkable animal”.
“From every angle, this species has surprised us with its ability to invade globally and dominate the habitats it occupies,” he said.
“The smallest amount of venom – about 1,000 raindrops – can cause medically significant symptoms in humans about 250,000 times larger than them.
“Each new study brings us closer to understanding exactly how they achieve success.”
