December 22, 2011 at 11:14 AM

Most Venomous Spider

The Brazilian wandering spider of the genus Phoneutria, and particularly the Brazilian huntsman P.fera (in picture below) have the most active neurotoxic venom of any living spider. The venom is so potent that just 0.006 mg (0.00000021 oz) is sufficient to kill a mouse. Phoneutria are usually dark brown in colour and have a body and leg spread of 17 cm (6.75 in). These large and highly aggressive creatures often enter human dwellings and hide in clothing or shoes. When disturbed, they bite furiously several times, and hundreds of encounters with these spiders are reported each year, fortunately there’s antivenom available.

Actual Size