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interesting stuff I came across...
I was looking through some journal databases for info for my entomolgy term paper, and when I searched under "tarantula" I found a seemingly interesting article...I copied this directly from the abstract, I'm going to check to see if my school carries this particular journal, I want to read the entire article...
"The selection of venoms is representative of the biological, taxonomic and biogeographic diversity of tarantulas. The analysis of venoms showed interesting correlation between composition, toxicity, distribution and taxonomy. New world spiders (Theraphosinae and Aviculariinae) possess weaker venoms against mice, with the notable exception of Chilean species. In particular, North and Central American species have the weakest venoms but remarkably, display a consistent intoxication pattern with a slow onset of symptoms (20 to 40 min.). African (Eumenophorinae, Harpactirinae) and asian (Ornithoctoninae, Selenocosmiinae) species possess more toxic venoms which induce rapid death in mice (3-20 min. post-injection). The differences in activity are correlated with the presence of urticating hairs in new world species, and a greater aggressiveness of old world species. Stronger neurotoxic symptoms are also observed for several of the arboreal species. In all cases, toxicity is marked by a variety of neurotoxic effects (excitotoxicity, convulsions, paralysis) which indicate complex effects on the central nervous system."
Here's the reference info for anyone who might be interested:
"Biogeography and phylogeny of tarantula spider venoms".Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France. 124(2).1999.169-181
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