Snake bite? Or maybe something else...

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by ViperaBerus

In fact 5mm is the average bite size for those species within the UK capable of penetrating human skin.

Can you give any authority for this? Right now, I want to say that this is not an attempt to argue, but a genuine wish to know if there are any studies of spider bites and species frequency, bite size and so on around.

Have you got any info about what species you are finding? Again, a request for information and not a set for an argument.

My suggestion of a bank vole was a substitution for my first thoughts, which were that IDing something from a non sighting with no chance to see the place it happened or the injuries inflicted was a total guess, and now there is a discussion as to wether this could be right. I don't feel very happy with such strong speculation on such small evidence. If it had happened to me, my thoughts would be to go back and quietly see what I could find, or to just say, Hmm, strange stuff happens.

I did feel tempted to say, could it be a large cat, but I fought this down.

[ViperaBerus]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

Can you give any authority for this? Right now, I want to say that this is not an attempt to argue, but a genuine wish to know if there are any studies of spider bites and species frequency, bite size and so on around.

Have you got any info about what species you are finding? Again, a request for information and not a set for an argument.

The best source for that research is The Tropical Ecology and Entomology Research Group at Oxford University. Martin Speight is the head of dept there. There are probably many more resources out there on the subject if you Google it. I'm a herpetologist, not an entomologist, but have had many discussions on the subject with them as I get bitten by spiders quite often when messing about and have a passing interest in all inverts. Most common species are the orb webs of (Araneidae) and the larger Agelenidae which like to hide under refugia. I've been bitten by quite a small Tegenaria after it ended up in the washing up bowl. It was nowhere near adult size but left a clear bite mark 5mm apart. They itch like crazy like a double bite from a tenacious mosquito. And like mozzie bites, white hard lumps appear around the bite area. The irritation lasts much longer than a mozzie though, and you certainly feel the bite. The worst biter is the Woodlouse spider, but I have no real knowledge of that species other than it's aggressive nature and willingness to bite humans if poked. Apparently they hurt when they nail you.

Like you, I was quite surprised when I was first bitten by a spider, so I can understand your enquiry. I don't know the species, but it was a wolf spider on a sandy common carrying eggs on her body. I let her climb up my finger where she made her way to my thumb and bit me right on the tip. It certainly felt it like a pin stab. I was even more surprised after half an hour when it started swelling and itching like mad, so concluded envenomation had taken place. That was an eye opener, and ever since then, I seem to be a magnet for spider bites. Previous to that, I didn't recieve one in 34 years. I must have been bitten by at least six now in the eight years since.

Most species of spider though, are too small to puncture human derma. And they have fangs situated at an angle not conducive with biting us, unless they get a finger or other area that allows a decent purchase.

[JaySteel]

In the past few years I've also been bitten twice by spiders. On both occasions this felt like a sharp pin prick to my finger and then tingling accompanied by sensation of heat to my hand. On one occasion this was only mild and lasted for about 20 minutes. On the other occasion it made me feel a little light-headed and lasted for an hour or two. I'm not familiar with spiders but both looked similar. They were both dark coloured, stocky build with shortish legs and up to about an inch in size. (Possibly Black lace weaver spider?)

Jason


PS. I've just found this link about spider bites in the UK:

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/l...s/spider-bites

[The Woodman]

A dead bramble with conveniently spaced thorns or a nice dry holly leaf?

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

A dead bramble with conveniently spaced thorns or a nice dry holly leaf?

Yep, I can go with that. lex parsimonia,Ockham's razor.

[Hedgehoggy]

Originally Posted by fairplay

"Why did I let it go ... because it bit my finger so"

Neil.

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

The old truths are the wisest.

Indeed!

[Hedgehoggy]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

Yep, I can go with that.

Me too.

[P.S. Dogghound and ViperaBerus are quite right, my mouse bite was a teeny weeny tear, not a puncture wound - just thought I would mention that!]

[lasjholl]

Thanks, guys. Great replies. Glad I joined the forum!

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

No rodent will leave two puncture marks due to their dental structure. So if not a spider then perhaps a shrew or large beetle like a devils coach horse.

If a definite bite then I'd go with shrew - as a kid (i.e before I got thick blokey skin) I had exactly the twin puncture marks described, from a common shrew which resented my inexpert handling. Still, given the time of year I guess a plant rather than animal explantion is most likely.

CM

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by lasjholl

Thanks, guys. Great replies. Glad I joined the forum!

Thank you for enduring the dialogue that goes on here, it is not very serious, but I do think most people like to chase down the answers.