On the Dangers of Tropical Spiders as a Pet: A Review of Ocular Symptoms Caused by Tarantula Hairs

Tarantulas are large spiders that can defend themselves by shedding urticating hairs (setae). In this paper, we aim to discuss the ocular conditions caused by these setae through a literature review. In total, 25 cases were identified in the PubMed database. Tarantula setae have a barbed structure that enables migration through the globe. They give rise to a spectrum of complaints, causing a granulomatous inflammatory reaction in the compartment they settle. Superficial corneal hairs cause a mild keratitis, while hairs that penetrate Descemet’s membrane can induce an anterior uveitis. Both can be treated with local steroids; when possible, hairs should be debrided. Setae that migrate into the posterior segment can cause a focal vitritis that can be more difficult to treat, sometimes requiring vitrectomy.

Stinging and Venomous Caterpillars of the Southeast

Wasp and bee stings are familiar to most people, but some might be surprised to learn that several caterpillars can also sting. This painful experience results from coming into contact with, or handling, a stinging caterpillar. Unlike wasps and bees with stingers, these caterpillars have urticating hairs, which are barbed and easily break off the caterpillar’s body, causing sudden or gradually building pain. Caterpillars urticate these spines upon contact with skin or when they feel threatened. The severity of a sting varies based on the person and number of spines embedded in the skin. Many stinging caterpillars also release a toxin on contact, which may be of health concern. The caterpillars discussed in this document are found throughout the southeastern U.S.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in014

Ami, a new Theraphosid genus from Central and South America, with the description of six new species (Araneae: Mygalomorphae)

A new genus Ami Pérez-Miles is proposed for six new species: A. caxiuana Pérez-Miles, Miglio & Bonaldo, from Caxiuanã National Forest, Pará, Brasil, the type species; A. yupanquii Pérez-Miles, Gabriel & Gallon, from the area of Puyo, Equador; A. bladesi Pérez-Miles, Gabriel & Gallon, from Isla Colón, Panamá; A. pijaos Jimenez & Bertani, from Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia; A. amazonica Jimenez & Bertani, from Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia; and A. weinmanni PérezMiles, from La Azulita, Apure, Venezuela. Avicularia obscura (Ausserer 1875) is transferred to Ami and re-diagnosed. Diagnostic characters of Ami are the modification of Type I urticating hairs, with unusually longer area b, and one or two subconical processes on retrolateral face of male palpal tibiae. Females of Ami differ further from those of other theraphosid genera by their highly characteristic spermathecae: paired ventral receptacles attached to an almost discrete, semicircular, sclerotized back-plate.

Two new species of Pamphobeteus Pocock 1901 (Araneae : Mygalomorphae : Theraphosidae) from Brazil, with a new type of stridulatory organ

Two new species of Pamphobeteus Pocock 1901 are described from Brazil: Pamphobeteus crassifemur sp. nov. and Pamphobeteus grandis sp. nov.; Pamphobeteus nigricolor, formerly described from Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia, is recorded from Brazil and its distribution in Ecuador and Bolivia is questioned. A new type of stridulatory organ is described from legs III and IV of P. crassifemur sp. nov. The structure consists of spiniform setae. Stridulation occurs when the spider moves the legs III and IV, sometimes while shedding urticating hairs.

Notes on the genus Iracema Pérez-Miles, 2000 with the first description of the male of I. horrida (Schmidt, 1994) (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

The formerly unknown male of Paraphysa horrida is described and the species transferred to the genus Iracema. This genus is rediagnosed and can be recognized by having the combination of the following characters: type IV of urticating hairs, bulb resting in a ventral distal excavation of the male palpal tibia, male metatarsus I touching both branches of tibial spur when flexed, labium with less than 20 labial cuspules, and presence of many spiniform setae on the prolateral and retrolateral sides of maxillae and coxae I-IV.