A-Z Animals, a library of more than 100 encyclopedias, states that the bite of crab spiders may cause pain to humans. It further mentions that the giant ones may make a person sick. So, it is essential to know how to respond if you encounter these situations. The NSW Poisons Information Centre, composed of pharmacists and scientists, states that a cold compass may treat spider bites. But it warns that further symptoms may occur and signs of infection may develop. Information on the first aid for both incidents is discussed below.Â
What is the First Aid to the Pain from the Australian Crab Spider Bite?
The NSW Poisons Information Centre states that ice or cool running water relieves pain from spider bites. So, apply this first aid method if you experience getting bitten by an Australian Crab Spider. Washing the area with soap and water first is also ideal to keep it clean and dry.
What is the First Aid to the Sickness from the Australian Crab Spider Bite?
The same centre based at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead recommends calling 000 if a casualty is experiencing difficulty in breathing or is unconscious. Depending on your location, an ambulance may arrive within a few minutes to an hour. If it is a severe reaction from the spider bite, doing the necessary first aid while waiting for emergency support may help.
What is the First Aid for Difficulty in Breathing?
Healthdirect, a government-supported health information service, explains that in some cases, a casualty bitten by a spider may need cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Its website provides explanatory videos of doing it and training for this life-saving skill is available at CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903).
What is the First Aid to an Unconscious Casualty?
Better Health Channel, a website of The Victorian Government, recommends rolling a person on their side if they are unconscious. Then, check if they have breathing and a pulse. If not, they advise calling 000 and starting CPR.Â
What is the First Aid to Further Symptoms of the Australian Crab Spider Bite?
Healthdirect also discusses the possibility of a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, in some people. It stresses the seriousness of this condition which is possible to be fatal. Following the person’s personal action plan is a method of first aid management. It may include administering adrenaline which you may learn to do correctly through anaphylaxis first aid training.
What is the First Aid for Infections from the Australian Crab Spider Bite?
Healthdirect advises seeking medical assistance if signs of infection develop. Dealing with these emergencies is part of first aid training at Level 9 Suite 904, 343 Little Collins St Melbourne CBD.
Are the Bites of the Australian Crab Spider Deadly?
AZ Animals assures that crab spiders are not dangerous to humans. Yes, they have venom, but it’s only enough to take insects that are a bit bigger than them. It is not fatal for humans, as long as the bite does not lead to anaphylaxis.
Where in Australia Do You Find Crab Spiders?
According to Arachne’s discussion about crab spiders, they are common throughout Australia in most habitats. This species also likes tropical and subtropical areas. Arachne is an Australian organisation by Robert Whyte, an honorary researcher with Queensland Museum.
Where did the Australian Crab Spider’s Name Come From?
Crab spiders have legs that are capable of moving sideways like a crab. These species are also able to camouflage and match color with the flowers.Â
What Does the Australian Crab Spider Look Like?
Websites describe Australian Crab Spiders to have the following features:
- Drab coloured
- Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four, like many spiders
- Flat bodies
- Two claws
Experts also call their crabwise legs laterigrade.
What does the Australian Crab Spider Eat?
Crab spiders eat almost any insect that lives near them such as the following.
- Crickets
- Grasshoppers
- Wasps
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Caterpillars
- Houseflies
- Fruit flies
- Whiteflies
- Japanese beetles
Crab spiders are known to hunt at night or at day.
What are the Different Types of Australian Crab Spiders?
Below are some of the species of crab spiders.
- Goldenrod Crab Spider – its usual color is white or yellow which may change to pink or pale green.Â
- Bark Crab Spiders – it has a mottled brown, gray, and black colour. Its appearance allows them to camouflage with tree barks where they wait for prey.
- Weaver Ants – poses as an ant to make their prey come to them and eat them
The last species have evolved to mimic ants.
Conclusion
The first aid for an Australian Crab spider bite depends on its effect on a casualty. If it causes pain, then apply ice or cool running water. If it makes a person have difficulty in breathing, CPR may help. If a person is unconscious, it is important to check if they have breathing and a pulse. If there is a severe allergic reaction, an adrenaline shot is advised. If there are signs of infections, medical assistance may help. If you want to learn how to do all of these first aid treatments, enroll with CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903). The skills and knowledge you acquire from it are useful especially since the Australian Crab Spiders live in most habitats in the country.
