Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1891-08-14
DEADLY TARANTULAS.
Horribly Hairy Spiders Whose
Bite Is Certain Death.
Something About the Different Species of
This Terrible Insect-A Winged
Foe That makes Short
Work of Tt.

1t is fact not generally known that
there are two varieties of tarantulas
in Arizona and New Mexico. This
probably accounts for the conflicting
reports about the deadly nature of the
tarantula poison. The so-called Texas
tarantula is by no means an agreeable
bedfellow, but his bite is by no means
fatal. The venomous Texas tarantula,
in spite of all discussions to the con-
srary, does build and live in the trap
door spider nest. There seems to be a
current idea that the trap-door spider is
harmless, which is certainly erroneous
1t uses no web net, easily capturing it's
prey by extraordinary springs. Those
who have seen this arachnidan by day
light can have little idea of it's power
and feetness. During the day it moves
slowly and clunsily in the dazzling
light, but when darkness comes it can
move with ease and certainty. Credible
accounts have appeared stating that
the tarantula can leap sixteen feet,
says the Florence Companion. Re-
peated statements have credited it with
leaps of three feet or more. In 1870, or
near that date, three men disturbed
several tarantula nests near San Diego.
They were Immediately attacked by
the huge spiders and had to run for
their lives, taking refuge in the waters
of the bay.
On the other hand, the poison of the
Mygale species is of fearful nature
more dreaded than that of a rattle
snake - and, unless only slightly
scratched and heroic measures used,
the result is fatal. Many deaths are on
record caused by these spiders. The
most prolonged suffering was that of
San Diego woman. A tarantula sunk
it's fangs into her hand during the
night. The flesh was cut away with a
razor and medical assistance summoned
ct once. Her life was prolonged for
E;me, as well as her sufferings. For
three months she fingered under the eff
fects, her hands constantly creeping
and crawling along the bedding in hor-
rible imitation of the motions of the
tsrantula.
The Mygale sometimes spreads over
six inches square, but more frequently
four or five inches. The writer has at
the present time a stuffed specimen
that extends about six and a half inch
es. A shaggy coat of hair covers the
surface of the great spider. 1t is sup
piled with six strong, bony legs, and
two dangerous pedipalps or strikers,
each armed with a sharp sting and poi
son sac. The strikers are frequently
mistaken for two front legs, and from
this arises the idea that the creature
has stings on it's feet. Two powerful
projections, resembling jaws, protrude
from the head. Under each of these is
p curved poison fang, similar to cats
claw, but longer Exactly like those of
rattlesnake), which may be lifted, ex-
tended and hooked into the victim. A
person thus stung Tor bitten?) must cut
the tarantula away at once, for the
spider does not seem willing to unlock
its fangs.
Tarantulas are considered deadly foes
to each other and are seldom found in
| company. When imprisoned together
there is a fight, one succumbs and is
eaten by the victor. Nature has done
a service in making the tarantula so
hideous and formidable a looking OBJ
| ject. Indeed, it is owing to this repul-
| siveness that no greater number of per-
sons are stung. The sight of the great
hairy spider crawling near by will cause
q cold, creeping sensation down the
back of almost anyone.
The deadly foe of Mr.. Tarantula is
| the tarantula hawk. These giant blue
wasps, with their fiery wings, are dead
| 1y foes to the tarantula, and should be
encouraged in every locality. They
| seem never to rest for moment, and
with tireless energy fly and walk rapid
| ly along the ground, running into every
crevice and hole, and examining every
suspicious object, after the tarantula.
The fate of the giant spider when
| discovered by the hawk is certain, and
attended with fascinating horror.
The winged insect hovers over the
victim until it finds good opportunity
to sting. The poison acts in peculiar
manner, the tarantula becoming para
| lyzed. In this state the eggs of the
hawk are laid in the spider, who re-
mains alive to be slowly devoured by
| the hungry larvae