Poisonous Spiders in the Middle East

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Spiders survive and live in all regions of the world. The Middle East is no exception to a place where a spider can call home. While most spiders in the area are harmless, there are a few poisonous and dangerous spiders to watch out for when traveling or living in the Middle East. It is important to take precaution when placing hands or feet in unknown holes, brush, dark spots or even in unattended shoes, where spiders may dwell.

1 Black Widow

Black widow spiders are poisonous spiders found in the Middle East. They are also found globally in Africa, Iberian Peninsula, Australia, North America, New Zealand and South America. Black widow spiders are noted as one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. A black widow spider can be identified by a black body and a bulbous abdomen with small red dots. The black widow spider typically eats its male partner after the mating process. If you are bitten by a black widow, symptoms include chest and stomach pains. The poison injected in a bite must be neutralized by burning a match straight on to the bite spot within 30 seconds after the bite happens.

2 King Baboon Spider

The king baboon spider is found in the Middle East and in Africa and the Middle East. Its other common name is the harpactirinae. This spider looks similar to a tarantula due to its thick, hairy legs. The spiders are active at night and hole up in their burrow during the day. Similar to other varieties of baboon spiders, they are quite aggressive and have strong venom. When bitten, their bites can be very painful.

3 Brown Spider

The brown spider resides in the Middle East as well as the United States. The spider has three pairs of eyes although most spiders have four pairs. The brown spider is small in size and has subtly darker brown colorings on parts of its abdomen. A brown spider bite can be dangerous to humans and can cause loss of limb or even life if the treatment of the bite is neglected. The spider is also called the fiddle or violin spider due to the shape of the markings made on its abdomen.

Nikki Fiedler started writing professionally in 2004. She has been published in "The Vegetarian Journal," "Collegebound," "The Sandspur," "Orlando Style Magazine" and "Rollins Alumni Record." Fiedler graduated from Rollins College in 2008 with a double honors Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations and studio art.

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