Table of contents
- identify spider
- Danger of a bite
- Typical symptoms
- Immediate measures in case of bites
- Avoid bites
The nurse's thorn finger has been resident here for a long time and is one of the most poisonous spiders in Central Europe. However, their bites do not bring mortal danger, but require correct action.
identify spider
- Synonyms: Nurse Thornfinger, Thornfinger
- Scientific name: Cheiracanthium punctorium
- Size: approx. 1.5cm length
- Body paint: Red orange
- jaw claws: red-black, distinct, and capable of penetrating human skin in thin areas
- Habitat: Forest clearings, fallow fields, meadows, roadsides, rarely indoors
- Happen: in Central Europe in climatically favorable regions (wine-growing climate)
A notice:
The black and red warning color in the area of the jaw claws also distinguishes it from other species of this genus that occur in Europe.
Danger of a bite
Although the thorn finger has pronounced jaw claws, it cannot penetrate every skin area without problems. While the soles of the feet provide an impenetrable barrier, the skin on the top of the foot or around the calves is thin enough for the poisonous claws to penetrate. Those who have been bitten by the thorn finger will primarily feel intense pain. So far, it has rarely happened that a person has been bitten in Central Europe. Those affected report an intensity of pain that is comparable to a sting from a wasp or bee. Depending on the part of the body, the effect or the symptoms may be different. There are hardly any severe courses documented, but it can happen, for example, with previous illnesses that the reactions are more severe, such as dizziness, vomiting or circulatory failure. Deaths from the poison of the thorn finger are not known so far.
Typical symptoms
In addition to burning pain, which can last up to three days, including other symptoms such as swelling, only sensitivity to pressure in the area of the lymph nodes is known. However, this only occurs if a person is in the area of the finger or hand was bitten. Necrosis can also occur locally. In most cases, the areas regenerate themselves without any problems.
A notice:
The poison from the thorn finger an injury with the jaw claws has a comparable effect in animals as in humans. There are also no known animal deaths caused by a spider bite from the thorn finger.
Immediate measures in case of bites
The reaction of people who have been bitten is usually comparable to that of an insect bite. The area swells and only the effects are treated. There are no antidotes.
It is important to relieve the pain, for which you should proceed as follows:
- Disinfect bite site
- cool area
- Use insect bite ointments that reduce swelling
If the symptoms have not significantly improved after 24 hours, you should see a doctor. This also applies if you have previous illnesses such as known allergies to insect bites. You should also consult a doctor if you have an increased tendency to inflammation. It is helpful if you can catch the spider so that the animal can be positively identified. However, you should not expose yourself to the danger of coming into contact with the poisonous claws again.
Avoid bites
Although the thorn finger spider is not life-threatening, you should avoid encounters with it. The venom itself is harmless, but the injury it causes can be more problematic, especially if it becomes infected. Anyone who encounters the thorn finger in the house need not be afraid, because humans are not part of the prey spectrum and you can catch the arachnids with a container and release them back into the wild.
Who in the meadow or However, if you are out and about in the forest, you should take the following precautions:
- Use insect repellents
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Pull socks over pants ends
- if possible high heels wear boots
- rather wear light-colored clothing on which the spiders are clearly visible
A notice:
If you encounter Cheiracanthium punctorium, you should not kill the arachnid. The nurse's thorn finger is considered established but rare and is listed as vulnerable in some regions as its habitats are progressively disappearing.
Sources:
https://www.lifeline.de/leben-und-familie/dornfingerspinne-biss-giftig-id148874.html
https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000061889174/der-schmerzhafte-biss-der-dornfingerspinne
https://www.rtl.de/cms/ammen-dornfingerspinne-so-gefaehrlich-ist-ihr-biss-3028103.html
https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/Giftige-Spinnen-Was-hilft-gegen-Bisse, spider166.html
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammen-Dornfinger
https://www.meinegesundheit.at/cdscontent/?contentid=10007.688865&portal=meinegesundheitportal
https://www.badvoeslau.at/de/lebenswert/umwelt/dornfingerspinne/fragen-zur-dornfingerspinne.html
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