Venomous Spiders Found Living in D.C. Government Buildings
Venomous spiders have been identified inside several government buildings in Washington, D.C. But the news is not all that bad, according to some experts. Read on for the details.
Venomous Spider Species Confirmed in Several Buildings in Nation's Capital
The Mediterranean recluse spider has been found lurking around the nation's capital. This type of spider originates from Europe and North Africa and is known to be able to hitchhike long distances, popping up thousands of miles from its native home.
A study published in American Entomologist detailed that the spiders were observed in 14 federal government buildings in and around Washington, D.C. over the last decade. Scientists found these nocturnal spiders mostly in basements and other underground areas. Because these spiders are shy in nature, they often scurry off into the cracks of the walls and go into hiding when people appear.
Dr. Gale E. Ridge, an associate scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, said that despite their scary appearance, these spiders actually provide several benefits. As hunting spiders, the Mediterranean recluses feed on cockroaches and termites, keeping these populations under control. As Ridge said, "We'd be 6 feet deep in flies worldwide without spiders."
The transient nature of the people of Washington, D.C., makes it no surprise that the spider has been identified in this part of the U.S. Hundreds of government agencies, museums, and international organizations call Washington, D.C. home. The employees of these institutions come from all over the world. The continual movement of people in and out of the district makes it more likely that spiders can be brought into the country from overseas.
Ridge said that while Mediterranean recluse spiders are venomous, their shy demeanor means that they are less likely to be a serious public health threat. The spiders are far more likely to hide than approach people.
In addition, it takes a lot of energy for these spiders to produce venom. As such, they are inherently more likely to want to preserve this energy for hunting purposes rather than attacking humans. Ridge said that she was not aware of any documented instances of a human being attacked by a Mediterranean recluse spider. Instead, they use their venom to subdue their prey, producing an enzyme that then breaks down the internal tissues of the insects that they have attacked.
Mediterranean Recluse Spiders Also Identified in Connecticut
Washington, D.C. is not the only part of the U.S. where these spiders have been identified. They are most common in large industrial buildings rather than in homes. Because the spiders tend to spend most of their time in dark and secluded areas, they can often go undetected for years.
This particular species was recently confirmed in Connecticut. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station observed its first state record of this spider last year. Connecticut is a popular state for spiders, with over 600 identified species roaming the state.
It can be challenging to discern a Mediterranean recluse from other types of spiders, particularly other species of recluse spiders. For instance, many of the characteristics of the Mediterranean recluse spider are similar to the more common brown recluse.
The Mediterranean recluse is distinguished by its unique eyes. The spider sports six eyes grouped into three distinct pairs that form a triangle.
Experts advise contacting local officials if you believe you have spotted a Mediterranean recluse. While a photograph is often useful, trapping the specimen for the professionals to identify is the most reliable way to confirm the species.
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