Brazilian wandering spiders roam the forest floor and low vegetation at night rather than maintaining a permanent web to capture prey. When threatened, they raise their front two pairs of legs high into the air and sway defensively, exposing reddish hairs on their chelicerae. Their highly potent neurotoxic venom makes them one of the most medically significant spiders in South America.
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCrickets, Tree frogs, Cockroaches
Predators
Spider wasps
Coatis
Toucans
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, urbanization, and persecution by humans
HabitatsAtlantic forest, moist secondary woodlands, and urban fringes
Life span1–2 years
Classification
FamilyCtenidae
SpeciesPhoneutria nigriventer
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Possesses medically significant neurotoxic venom; keep distance and never attempt to handle.
Why it is dangerous
Its venom contains potent neurotoxins like PhTx3, which trigger severe pain, systemic inflammation, muscle spasms, priapism, and respiratory difficulty requiring antivenom.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by a dark brown body, two raised pairs of banded front legs in a distinct threat posture, and bright reddish chelicerae.
What to do
Do not attempt to touch, capture, or corner this spider; back away steadily if it raises its front legs in warning.
Responsible observation
Observation distance: Maintain at least two meters of clearance, especially when exploring forest leaf litter at night.
Storage check: Shake out boots, clothing, and outdoor gear before use in regions where this species is common.
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