Tarantula and Scorpion bites and stings

[Cubby23]

I really know nothing about these bites and stings. How powerful/bad are they for you? Whenever I hear venom i think snake venom, which 90% requires hospilization, but thes bites usually do not correct? What does a scorpion sting feel like?

[Shelby]

It really depends on the species.

Scorpions like emperors and flat rocks have very weak venom. It is comparable to a bad bee sting. Not dangerous unless you are allergic to the venom.

On the other hand, an israeli deathstalker or one of the several fat tail scorpions will kill you with it's sting.

Most tarantula bites are not particularly dangerous, however the arboreal ornamentals (genus poecilotheria) have dangerous venom. I believe it can cause seizures.

[CeraDigital]

Also the African genus of Tarantulas Pterinochilus has some pretty strong venom as well. When I was bit I wound up puking for about 3 hours on and off, and was so dizzy I couldnt walk. The room was literally spinning. But I'm sensitive to T venom so I dont know how it would effect someon who isnt.

[Schlyne]

The following tarantula genuses are considered medically significant:

Stromatopelma
Poecilotheria
Heteroscodra

As for common names, the true featherleg baboon T is usually Stromatopelma calceatum. Ornamental tarantula's are Poecilotheria, or "pokies". Heteroscodra maculata is the "Ornamental babbon".

No one has ever died as a result of a tarnatula bite. However, being bitten by a tarantula of those genuses will probably earn you a hospital trip.

Old world tarnantulas (Asia, and Africa, for the most part) are more defensive, do not have urticating hairs, and have stronger venom. New World tarantulas (the Americas) have urticating hairs.

Most tarnatula bites involve a bit of local swelling, burning/pain at the site of envenomnation and possibly itching.

It is generally recommended that new people getting into tarantulas get a New World species first, and even then to get one of the docile species.

Scorpions vary greatly, as Shelby said. There are many more "hot" scorpions. A sting from a flat rock scorpion is considered to be weaker than a bee sting.
Hands off is usually the best route

I keep both Poecilotheria and Heteroscodra if you're wondering.

[MedusasOwl]

With scorpions the best way I've found to remember in who's more deadly than whom is the claw size. Correct me if I'm wrong folks, but basically the bigger the claws the less potent the venom. Slimmer smaller claws mean the scorpion depends more on his venom therefore the venom is most likely stronger. For example .. Emperor, big fat claws not to deadly, DeathStalker slim little claws, much more deadly.

[Shelby]

Sheree - there are several of those 'rules' with scorpions. I don't think any of them are true in every case. Obviously don't touch it unless you're absolutely sure of what it is!

[MedusasOwl]

Well, you don't have to worry about me messing with any of them, I live in AZ so any scorpion I see is a scorpion I avoid, lol. That was just what a friend of mine told me in regards to her Emperor.