Phoneutria nigriventer or “banana spider” hides in banana bunches and its bite could lead to a painful and very long erection. It is particularly worrying when it is found on supermarket shelves…
This summer, a supermarket located in Austria had to close its doors urgently and evacuate all its customers after a spider venomous – baptized Phoneutria nigriventer and nicknamed “banana spider” – has been seen in banana stallsreported an article from the American media TMZ on August 10, 2023. No customers were bitten. In the event of a bite, its venom would contain a neurotoxic substance which would be capable of causing pain and an increase in blood pressure, but also a strange symptom such asa painful erection that can last several hoursshowed the results of a study presented at a meeting of theAmerican Physiological Society. In the absence of emergency treatment (an anti-venom exists)these symptoms can be mortals. To highlight and understand this strange symptom, researchers analyzed the different components of the spider’s venom and measured, in rats, erection enhancer level. At the end of their analysis published in the National Library of Medicinethe researchers showed that the component responsible for the increase in penile pressure was the Tx2-6, a short chain of amino acids called peptides. Scientists also noted an increase in nitric oxide in the two main cylindrical cavities which extend the entire length of the penis and which are called corpora cavernosa. “Erection is a side effect that a person bitten by this spider might experience, in addition to pain and discomfort“, confirmed Romulo Leite, one of the researchers participating in the study, who speaks of a “natural viagra”. According to him, this discovery could contribute to the development of medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Where does the banana spider live?
This species of spider of Brazilian origin is said to be one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. It is mainly present in the United States, Mexico and South America (Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina) but to reach Europe, this wandering arachnid would hide in bunches of bananas shipped to stores hence his nickname “banana spider”. In France, several supermarkets have already reported the presence of banana spiders on their shelves, such as in Sillery in Marne in April 2023 or previously in Passy in Haute-Savoie in January 2015.
Photo of the banana spider
How big is a banana spider?
The banana spider measures on average 10 cm (some can reach 18 cm) and has an hourglass-shaped red spot on his abdomen.
What are the dangers of a banana spider?
The banana spider contains a highly toxic venom that can cause death in 2 to 3% of cases (in the absence of treatment). A bite can cause widespread pain, swelling of the bitten area, high blood pressure and priapism (prolonged erection). But although painful, the bite is rarely fatal for the man. Brazil is the country that records the most bites per year, which mainly take place between March and April, the spiders’ reproduction period. Of the 422 envenomations reported between 1984 and 1996, only 2 people died and the other victims had only mild symptoms or no reaction (Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, flight. 42, ).