Encountering a red arachnid often raises concerns about its potential danger. The term “red spider” is ambiguous, encompassing various creatures, some of which are not true spiders. Understanding these differences is important for assessing any potential threat. Accurate identification is the first step in determining if a red arachnid is harmless or requires caution.
Are All Red Arachnids Spiders?
Not every small, red, eight-legged creature is a true spider. Many red arachnids are actually mites, belonging to a different order within the class Arachnida. Mites, such as clover mites and spider mites, are distinct from spiders in their body structure and typical habitats. Spiders generally have two distinct body segments and eight legs, while mites often appear to have a single, unsegmented body.
Clover mites, for instance, are tiny, reddish-brown arachnids often found in large numbers around homes, particularly near vegetation. These mites are primarily plant feeders and do not bite humans or pets. If squished, they can leave a reddish stain due to their body pigmentation, which is not blood. Similarly, spider mites are microscopic plant pests that can infest indoor and outdoor plants, creating fine webs on leaves. These mites are herbivores and pose no significant threat to human health, though direct contact might rarely cause minor skin irritation.
When Red Spiders Can Be Dangerous
While many red arachnids are harmless, certain true spiders with red markings can be medically significant. It is important to note that spiders are venomous, meaning they inject toxins through a bite, rather than poisonous, which implies harm through ingestion. The most well-known example of a dangerous spider with red markings is the black widow spider, particularly the adult female.
Female black widow spiders are typically shiny black with a distinctive red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of their abdomen. Their bodies can range from 3 to 13 mm in size, with females being larger than males. They often construct irregular, messy webs in sheltered, undisturbed locations near the ground, such as under rocks, in woodpiles, or in basements. While bright coloration in nature can serve as a warning, truly entirely red venomous spiders are uncommon; concern typically arises from red markings on otherwise dark spiders.
What to Do After a Spider Bite
Most spider bites are not serious and typically result in only mild symptoms like localized redness, swelling, and pain. Cleaning the affected area immediately with mild soap and water is recommended. Applying a cool compress or ice pack to the bite site for about 15 minutes each hour can help reduce pain and swelling. Elevating the bitten area can also help reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines may be used to alleviate discomfort and itching.
Seeking medical attention is advisable if there is a suspicion of a bite from a black widow or brown recluse spider. Medical care is also necessary if severe symptoms develop, such as intense pain, muscle cramps, spreading redness, fever, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Additionally, if the bite shows signs of infection like increasing redness, warmth, pus, or red streaks extending from the bite, professional medical evaluation is important.