Banana Spider

Especially known for twirling stunning webs, a Banana Spider or Golden Silk Spider is the one which creates silk coloring, i.e., gold. Also known as the ‘Giant Wood Spider,’ this spider gives the coloring a different look when compared to other spider types.

As far as their appearance is concerned, they seem to be quite enthralling. In fact, the deadly Brazilian Wandering Spiders are also called banana spiders due to the fact that they’re found in large farms of bananas. Furthermore, these spiders get transported from one location to another via bunches of bananas.

The banana spiders are also known by other names, including:

• Calico Spider
• Writing Spider
• Silk Orb-Weaver Spider
• The Hawaiian Garden Spiders

These creatures don’t cause any harm to humans. However, they can be extremely beneficial in the garden.

Identification / What Does a Banana Spider Look Like?

Either reddish or greenish yellow in color, banana spiders have white patches near their abdomen. Not only are these species large in size, but they also come equipped with red hair under their eyes. And the bottom of these spiders’ legs near the body is white in color with black dots. However, their front legs have a red bottom.

Several homeowners make a mistake of recognizing them to be Brazilian wandering spiders whose features seem similar with those of the genus ‘Cupiennius.’ If you want to know about the differences between the two types, you probably have to rely on an expert.

Available in various colors, banana spiders don’t have a hard time when it comes to merging themselves with the surroundings. It is due to the numerous colors available that these species of spiders are often confused with other types.

Size

Compared to male banana spiders, the female species happen to be significantly larger in size. They can get bigger by about 2” inches in size (excluding leg span). Some species of Orb-Weavers can be measured at over 5” in size. Even though these spiders usually feed on large insects, some of these spiders have been caught eating birds as well as snakes that were trapped in their webs. The web is very strong and has a diameter of 5’.

The female species are usually 1-3” long in size. Males, on the other hand, are no more than 1” long. The biggest spider ever recorded was found in Queensland, Australia with the size of 2.7”.

Where Do Banana Spiders Live?

Orb-Weavers are those species of spiders that prefer living in warm tropical regions. They can easily be found in Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Australia. At times, these spiders move to other countries when being transported via fruit shipments. For the most part, they are found in the Amazon, where the human contact is next to none.

However, Cupiennius banana spiders are found all over the place in Central America. Odds are they can be exported to Canada on banana crops, but it does not happen often. These spiders prefer to remain hidden during the daytime, but they do emerge when the sun goes down.

You would not have a hard time when it comes to spotting these pests in the forest where the weather is sunny and warm. Moreover, they can be found in urbanized areas hiding in between the structures as long as there does not seem enough shading. If the temperature is moderately hot, these bugs can stay in one location for at least one year provided there is enough food for them to feast on.

Although they can easily move to the area that is somewhat cold, their chances of surviving in such an area are awfully low. You can find the highest numbers of Golden Silk Spiders in places like Australia and Madagascar.

What Do Banana Spiders Eat?

The Golden Silk Spider’s diet consists of insects (small or medium in size ) including flies, mosquitoes, butterflies, moths, and grasshoppers. These pests even feed on snakes which are smaller in size. As an alternative, they disguise themselves in bushes or trees until they find the right opportunity to strike. These spiders feast on insects many of which are considered pests by homeowners.

Are Banana Spiders Poisonous?

A lot of people out there hold a perception that banana spiders are venomous but this statement does not hold true. However, they do contain mild venom. This poison is as same as the one present in a black widow spider, but it is not as lethal as found in other types. Well, there have not been instances when people complained of allergic reactions to the poison.

When you are bitten by a banana spider, there is no need to lose control or panic. Though their bites will harm you in some way or the other and cause swelling. You will eventually realize that the pain and swelling have gone in no time.

It takes only a day for the swelling and pain to disappear. But there can be a possibility that the swelling remains as it is even after 24 hours. In such a situation, seeking medical assistance will be the right thing to do.

Banana Spider Bite

The poison present in banana spiders is not highly dangerous, nor do they produce in a significant amount. Consequently, their bites don’t prove fatal for human beings, but they do cause some sickness as well as giddiness.

In fact, you would not feel the need to seek medical assistance unless you experience difficulty in breathing. It is important for you to keep in mind that breathing difficulty may be a sign of getting an infection. So you would need to see a doctor, or the pain would settle in a day’s time.

Well, you don’t need to worry or feel frightened when you get up close and personal with banana spiders because they are not venomous. These pests don’t act with aggression when they come in close contact with humans and bite them. But it may come as a surprise to you that they help the individuals to some extent.

How to Get Rid of Banana Spiders?

Those who cannot bear the site of a spider usually suffer from ‘arachnophobia.’ Considering this, they leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting rid of banana spiders.

Well, we have been made to believe that spiders play an essential role in our ecosystem, but nobody would ever want them to crawl in their hair. So how do you actually get rid of unwelcome pests in your house? To begin with, inspecting your home or the area where the Golden Silk Spiders are located is the best bet.

Make sure you check each room for the infestation of spiders in your house. Don’t you forget to check their nests as well as eggs? Doing so will give you a clear idea of what supplies and other equipment you need to exterminate these unwanted guests from your house once and for all. Now it’s time for you to destroy any spider webs you come across in and around the house. It’s necessary for you to knock down all the spider webs because these creatures will soon find their way back to your home to rebuild the web.

Also, you must lay emphasis on cleaning and organizing all of the rooms and other areas in the location of these pests called ‘banana spiders.’ Ensure you take out each food wrapper, bits of leftover food and other food pieces that catch the attention of Orb-Weavers. Vacuuming all of the spider webs you find will be the smartest move you will make. If you do not want adult banana spiders in and around the house, eliminate the babies as soon as you can. Consider using a reliable vacuum cleaner to accomplish the task. Make sure you clear up every corner of the house at least once a month.

One of the best ways to get rid of banana spiders is by using lemon juice. Even citrus oils can push them back significantly. Wiping or dusting the furniture and windows with lemon juice or citrus oils will undoubtedly work to your advantage.

Fun Facts

Here are some facts stating the fact why Banana Spiders are fascinating:

• Banana Spiders go by several various names. These include the giant wood spider, calico spider, golden silk orb-weaver or the writing spider. Of all these, the most common for them is the golden orb spiders.
• Golden Silk Spiders can be found on five continents such as Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, and South America.
• The diet of banana spiders comprises small to medium sized flies, bees, moths, locusts, dragonflies, mosquitoes and many more.
• The webs of these spiders don’t only have a unique but irregular pattern.
• Their golden silk is used to make textiles.
• The female banana spider eats the male spider after the mating process.
• These spiders are moderately poisonous. Their bite causes blisters and swelling.

Pictures of Banana Spiders

Here are some of the pictures of banana spiders: