ACMT Toxicology Visual Pearl – Big Spider, Small Risk

4. Trichonephila clavipes (Golden Silk Orb-Weaver)

Background [1,2]

Trichonephila clavipes, the golden silk orb-weaver or banana spider, is a large orange-brown spider commonly found in Florida and throughout the southeastern United States. By late summer and fall, it spins broad, golden-hued webs across forest edges and open woodlands, occasionally ensnaring hikers who walk into them. Despite its striking size of up to 12 cm, including the legs, this species poses minimal risk to humans and generally bites only when directly grasped.

Is the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver spider venomous? [2,3]

• Although Trichonephila clavipes produces venom, its effects in humans are regarded as clinically insignificant.
• The venom is designed primarily for subduing small arthropods, and the amount delivered during a defensive bite is minimal.

What are the symptoms and management of a Golden Silk Orb-Weaver Bite? [2]

• The golden silk orb-weaver is not associated with medically significant envenomation
• When bites do occur, they cause mild and localized symptoms such as brief pain, redness, and swelling, without progression to systemic toxicity or long-term sequelae.
• A bite from an orb-weaver can usually be treated with simple local wound care.
• Although bites are uncommon, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of unusual responses, including allergic reactions, while providing reassurance that serious complications are not expected.

Bedside Pearls

• The Golden Silk Orb-Weaver is a large spider, but its bite is medically low risk.
• Symptoms are limited to brief and localized pain, redness, or swelling, although allergic reactions are also possible.
• Local wound care is sufficient for management.