SPIDERS’ BITES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5094, 28 February 1927, Page 2

SPIDERS’ BITES.

YOUNG CHILD’S DEATH. SYDNEY EXPERT'S VIEW. SYDNEY, February IS. Clive William Thompson, the infant son of Mr and Mrs of Clifford Street, Thornleigh was bitten by a black spider on Tuesday night. A doctor was called, but the baby died an hour and a. half later. Commenting on the incident Mr W. W. Froggatt, entomologist to the W»restry Division said :— “It is seldom that spider bites are fatal, but if you are bitten on the soft portions of the leg or under the arm every care should be exercised." Mi Froggatt stated t.hat the name of the spider indicated was Letrodectus hasselti, and was to be found in all parts of Australia. “It is certainly a poisonous insect,” said Mr Froggatt, “but I am extremely doubtful if it was actually the spider’s bite which killed the child. I have never heard of any person, not even a baby, having died 'from this insect’s sting.

“The worst cases I have known, and tlie only cases, recorded in the Medical Journal, have merely been those in which local swellings, and perhaps some temporary nervous affection, have resulted. Much .if course, depends an .the condition of the patient’s blood.

“The most, vulnerable spots upon the human person 'for this spider’s bite to take immediate effect are the soft parts of the leg and under thd arm.

“The spider, which has a round, black body, with a bright scarlet stripe running from front to rear is a web-spinner. The female carries a large bag of eggs, and is very prolific. It is active in all seasons.”