Biggest Spiders in Iraq - Camel Spiders, Huntsman Spiders, Widows

An Overview of Spiders in Iraq

Iraq is home to a diverse range of spider species, some of which can reach impressively large sizes. Spiders play important roles in ecosystems by helping to control insect populations and serving as food sources for birds and other predators. However, some Iraqi spiders also pose dangers to humans through their venomous bites.

Camel Spiders

One of the most renowned large spiders in Iraq is the camel spider, known scientifically as Solifugae. Despite their name, camel spiders are not true spiders at all, but rather a separate arachnid order. There are over 1,000 species of Solifugae worldwide, with several genera native to Iraq and the surrounding region.

Many camel spider species found in Iraq have leg spans over 5 inches wide. The largest on record had a 12 inch leg span. Their massive jaws contain venom that can cause swelling and pain if they bite humans, although they rarely do so. Mainly camel spiders in Iraq feed on insects, smaller arachnids, and other small prey.

Huntsman Spiders

Huntsman spiders in the Heteropoda genus are very large, hairy spiders found through much of Asia. Iraq plays home to Heteropoda venatoria, also called the banana spider due to its practice of hiding in banana bunches. It has a leg span around 5 inches across.

Despite their intimidating size, huntsman spider bites cause only mild pain and irritation in humans similar to a bee sting. Their venom is not considered medically significant. Huntsman spiders help control pest populations by preying on cockroaches, moths, crickets, and other large insects.

Tarantulas

There are nearly 1,000 species of tarantula worldwide, including some native to Iraq. Iraqi tarantulas reach sizes of 3-4 inches long and can have leg spans over 5 inches. Some species kept as pets elsewhere in the world can have 8+ inch leg spans and weigh over 3 ounces.

Most tarantulas native to Iraq are ground burrowers that line their tunnels with silk. Their bites can be painful to humans but typically only cause localized swelling, not life threatening poisoning. Scientists continue studying whether Iraqi tarantula venom may hold promise for developing new medications.

Dangers Posed by Iraqi Spiders

While many spiders in Iraq are not dangerous to humans, some do pose risks either from their venomous bites or hazardous webs. It remains important to exercise caution when encountering larger spiders in Iraq that could bite or entangle prey.

Black and Brown Widow Spiders

Both black widow spiders (Latrodectus genus) and brown widow spiders (Latrodectus geometricus) live in Iraq. The females have distinctive red or orange markings on their large abdomens. They build tangled webs low to the ground outdoors or in dark recesses indoors.

Widow spider bites can cause muscle aches, nausea, and paralysis in humans due to neurotoxic venom components affecting the nervous system. But prompt medical treatment makes death unlikely today. Around 5% still report symptoms lasting over a week though.

Sac Spiders

Sac spiders in Iraq come from the Cheiracanthium genus. Smaller than widow spiders at only 0.2-0.4 inches long, their bites nevertheless pack painful venom. Sac spider bites cause intense local pain and swelling, along with symptoms like nausea, headache, and abdominal discomfort in some cases.

Sac spiders do not build webs for catching prey, but instead wander on legs and attack other spiders or insects they encounter. They earned the name sac spider from their habit of building silken tubes or sac retreats to hide within.

Recluse Spiders

Recluse spiders like the Mediterranean recluse (Loxosceles rufescens) inhabit Iraq and surrounding Mediterranean lands. Bites from these small but highly venomous spiders can trigger tissue damage and skin loss around the bite site. Their venom contains harmful sphingomyelinase D enzyme.

In very rare cases, recluse spider bites lead to hemolysis breaking apart red blood cells. Symptoms come 2-8 hours after being bitten and may last for many weeks. Early medical intervention helps increase positive outcomes.

Avoiding Dangerous Spider Species

The good news is that while Iraq hosts some spiders capable of harming humans, risk of bites stays low by taking proper precautions. Foremost is exercising caution around dark, cluttered spaces outdoors and under furniture where hazardous spiders often lurk and build webs.

Wear Protective Gear Outdoors

Venturing into wooded areas, old sheds, rock piles and dense vegetation may put you nearer to black widows, camel spiders, or recluse spiders in Iraq. Bites frequently happen when putting a hand or foot down unexpectedly atop them. Wear sturdy boots, gloves, and long, loose clothing to reduce odds of bites.

Manage Mess Indoors

Indoors, be proactive keeping floors, corners behind furniture, basements, attics, and crawl spaces free of clutter. These attract insects as prey to lure spiders inside too. Shake out or inspect items from storage carefully before touching them. Installing perimeter pest control sprays can help too.

Inspect Produce Before Eating

Spiders and other insects may crawl into harvested crops before making it to market in Iraq. Always thoroughly rinse fruits, vegetables, bundles of bananas, and other produce. Shake clothing after picking up firewood too. Taking these simple daily precautions promotes safety around Iraqs native spiders.

Though some spiders in Iraq grow quite large or have harmful bites, staying vigilant makes coexisting with these vital predators safe. Their major benefits controlling insects outweigh modest risks from species like widow spiders. Building awareness empowers the public to handlespiders properly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.