An experimental study of the effects of spider venom on animals

The effects of venom of spiders from the families Pisauridae, Argyronetidae, and Araneidae on different animals (worms, mollusks, arthropods, fishes, and mammals) were studied. The animals of different classes varied in their sensitivity to spider venom. The animals that can be a potential prey were the most sensitive. The venom of spider females was more efficient than that of males. The spiders were found to be able to kill five victims in sequence; the most effective action of venom was on the first two ones. The venom regenerates in 1.5–2.0 hours.