Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Kerry on 27/10/2010 09:14:27

Title: What happens if you inject a spider with anti-venom?
Post by: Kerry on 27/10/2010 09:14:27

Chatting in the LabNews office the other day, my colleague asked what would happen if you injected a black widow spider with it's anti-venom?

His friend seemed to think the spider would dissolve - not sure why. My colleague and I didn't think much would happen, but we're not experts on the subject - anybody have any ideas?

Title: What happens if you inject a spider with anti-venom?
Post by: Don_1 on 28/10/2010 10:02:09

Quote from: Kerry on 27/10/2010 09:14:27

..... but we're not experts on the subject ......

I rather doubt anyone is!

I don't think it would have any effect other than to rather inflate the spider and upset it to the extent that it injects you with its venom. So if you decide to give it a whirl, make sure you have enough antivenom for yourself, I get the strangest feeling you may need it.

Title: What happens if you inject a spider with anti-venom?
Post by: Kerry on 28/10/2010 16:54:12

We asked our editor and he said that since the spider has no circulatory system, nothing much would happen and much like Don_1 said, it would probably just balloon up.

My colleague did wonder if the anti-venom would neutralise the spider's venom, but my editor thinks the spider probably doesn't make the venom until it bites you, so nothing would happen - other than upseting the spider!

Title: What happens if you inject a spider with anti-venom?
Post by: Bored chemist on 28/10/2010 18:44:08

I think the only difference is that afterwards the spider would be safe if it bit its tongue.

Title: What happens if you inject a spider with anti-venom?
Post by: JnA on 02/11/2010 06:11:16

Good question..   I'm not sure, though suspect that not much will happen.. or you'll kill the spider ;)

Snakes they are generally resistant to their own venom..