South American Spider Found in Oklahoma…

Originally discovered in 1864 and thought to only inhabit the northern Amazon & Orinoco Basin was later found to have a range all the way to central Mexico. A species of spider in the family Ctenidae. Scientists say this spider is truly unique in the fact that not only do they need a blood meal to reproduce like a tick but, they also hold the record as the world’s most venomous spider. Also unique to this species is it’s way of delivering its venom; it has a stinger like a wasp. A Bartlesville man, who wishes to remain anonymous, found it crawling on his neck ! He stated he had recently traveled to Costa Rica and must have brought it back with him in or on his luggage. A thorough search of the mans luggage and home revealed no more spiders. “I feel so lucky he didn’t bite, or worse, stung me”! said the man. “The locals there say it only takes a few hours to die if it stings you”. The man said he immediately called a friend at TU, Jeremy Flanders, a professor of Zoology to identify it. Flanders stated that this arachnids only intention is a blood meal for reproductive purposes. Most venomous stings occur from people swatting at it out of fear. “It’s a matter of instinct for survival, that’s all”, said Flanders.
“I’m glad that he called me instead of disposing it, or we would have never known”. Flanders also reassured us that it was highly unlikely that this species could survive to gain a foothold in Oklahoma. We hope so…..