Nosferatu spider (Zoropsis spinimana)

Leg width:

• Males and females: 50 - 80 mm

Look:

• Forebody: Yellowish-white with extensive black markings and a light eye area; the markings are reminiscent of the vampire Nosferatu.
• Posterior body: Yellowish-white at the front, grey to brown at the rear, and has a central black marking consisting of a dark stripe in the middle, and three darker spots on each side.
• Legs: The legs are yellowish-grey, sometimes also dark in color, with black rings.

Life cycle:

• Nosferatu spiders lay their silk egg cocoons from late summer to late autumn. Each egg cocoon can contain 20 to 50 eggs.
• The lifespan of a Nosferatu spider can last up to 1.5 years.

Nest:

• The Nosferatu spider searches for its prey and does not build a web.

Nutrition:

• Protein-rich food: Insects

Behave:

• The Nosferatu spider prefers indoor spaces or sheltered hiding places such as rocks or bark. It hunts its prey and then paralyzes it with its venom. When threatened, it raises its front legs and displays its fangs.

Painful bite:

• The bite of the Nosferatu spider is mildly painful and can inject venom that is comparable to the pain of a mosquito bite.
• The Nosfeartu spider is not known as an aggressive spider and will rarely bite.

Allergic reactions:

• The venom of the Nosferatu spider can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Typical symptoms: shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, widespread swelling, especially in the face or airways.

Toxic effects:

• The sting injects a toxin containing histamine and other irritating substances that can damage tissue and cause pain.
• Multiple stings at the same time can trigger toxic reactions, especially dangerous for children, the elderly, or people with weakened health.

No disease transmission:

• No known cases of disease transmission

House and garden:

• Sealing cracks and crevices in houses.
• Install insect screens on windows and doors.

Behave:

• If you touch a spider, do not pick it up by hand, but use a glass and a sturdy piece of paper.