Very few creatures are as hated with a vengeance as spiders are
in American and most European societies. They are symbols of Many
spiders (and creatures similar to spiders) are often blamed for
dangerous and ostensibly fatal bites on humans. And because of their
fearsome appearances, it's easy to believe in such rumors.
But in fact only a small percentage of spiders (only about four genera) are known to be potentially harmful. But their hairy or spindly appearances make all spiders targets for the ire of angry and frightened humans who fear for their well-being. In fact most spiders perform great natural services to humans by getting rid of several pests.
Here are a few of the spiders or spider-like beings with undeserved reputations:
Hobo Spiders: In Europe, where this spider originates, this is a harmless outdoor of the common house spider and is by no means dangerous. Alerts were on the air after several Hobo spiders were mistaken for the dangerous Brown Recluse spiders. There have been no necrotic effects in the venom of Hobo spiders according to most recent and accurate testing.
Lycosa Tarantula: These are spiders found near Taranto, Italy was once blamed as the cause for the condition known as tarantism. Workers in fields noticed large, conspicuous and hairy spider patrolling the area and was blamed for the sometimes fatal condition. But although the bite of the Lycosa Tarantula may be painful, it is not at all dangerous.
Daddy Long legs: or Opiliones in more scientific terms, is a specie that is often handled by humans. Some nasty rumors have been spread about daddy long legs that they have fatal bites. None of the existing species are known to have fangs or venom glands at all. And bite victims of daddy long legs reported no lasting effects after being bitten.
These are but a few of the many spiders and spider-like organisms falsely charged with being dangerous.
