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Poisonous Spiders in Thailand

Although most spiders are venomous, Thailand is home to very few spiders that are dangerous to people. Black widows are the most venomous, while tarantulas and golden orb weavers attract notoriety more for their size than their bites. However, any spider venom can be lethal to people with allergies. Monitor all spider bites carefully to avoid the development of secondary infections.

Black Widows
- Black widow spiders, which are found throughout much of the world, live in Thailand. They're the only spiders mentioned in the "Animal/Marine Hazards" section of Travel Medicine's Thailand entry. Their bites can be extremely painful but are rarely fatal, especially for healthy adults.
Tarantulas
- Thailand is home to several species of tarantula, most notably the Thailand black tarantula (Haplopelma minax). According to "Thailand Black Tarantula (Haplopelma minax) Care in Captivity" by Todd Gearheart on the Tarantula's Burrow website, these spiders are more aggressive and have a worse bite than most American species. Their venom can cause pain and irritation but usually isn't dangerous.
Orb Weavers
- A variety of orb weavers live in Thailand, including golden orb weavers, which often seem menacing because of their large size (females' bodies grow up to four centimeters long). However, according to "Orb Weaver Spiders" on the Animal Corner website, these spiders are timid and rarely bite. Their venom is relatively mild.

Insects & Science