brown recluse spider (redirected from Fiddleback)

brown recluse spider,

a small poisonous arachnid, Loxosceles reclusa, also known as the brown or violin spider, found in both North and South America. The bite produces a characteristic necrotic lesion. The venom from its bite usually creates a blister surrounded by concentric white and red circles. This so-called bull's-eye appearance is helpful in distinguishing it from other spider bites. There is little or no initial pain, but localized pain develops in about an hour. The patient may experience systemic symptoms; nausea, fever, and chills are common, but the reaction is usually self-limited. Immediate treatment includes keeping the victim quiet and immobilizing the bite area at the level of the heart. A bleb forms, sometimes in a target or bull's-eye pattern. The blood-filled bleb increases in size and eventually ruptures, leaving a black scar. Antivenin is not available in the United States.

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spider [spi´der]

1. an arthropod of the class Arachnida.

2. vascular spider.

spider bite in the United States, the two spiders whose bites are most likely to cause a serious reaction are the black widow spider(Latrodectus mactans) and the brown recluse spider(Loxosceles reclusa). Signs and symptoms are associated with the effects of injection of the venom and include pain at the injection site, weakness, muscle pain and cramps, elevated blood pressure, and restlessness. Bites by these spiders must be treated promptly and effectively. First aid is the same as that for a snakebite and includes the following:

1. Wash the wound with soap and water and apply a clean dressing.

2. Apply a constricting band between the area of the bite and the heart.

3. Keep the person calm and transport him to the hospital or medical facility as soon as possible.

4. If swelling becomes apparent, apply a cold compress to the area.

black widow spider Latrodectus mactans, a poisonous spider found in North America; see spider bite.

brown recluse spider Loxosceles reclusa, a poisonous spider found in North America; see spider bite.

vascular spider a telangiectasis due to dilatation and branching of superficial cutaneous arteries, which presents as a bright red central portion with branching radiations, the whole somewhat resembling the configuration of a spider. The lesions may occur singly or in large numbers, and may be nevoid or acquired, being commonly associated with pregnancy and liver disease. Called also nevus araneus, spider nevus, and spider telangiectasia.

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spider

an arthropod of the class Arachnida.

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black widow spider

see latrodectus mactans.

brown recluse spider

a poisonous spider, Loxoceles reclusa, whose bite causes severe poisoning in humans.

spider lily

see crinum.

trapdoor spider

Atrax robustus. Called also funnel-web spider.

spider grass

brachyachneconvergens.

spider lamb syndrome

inherited arachnomelia.