Have you ever heard the creepy story that we swallow about eight spiders a year while sleeping? Whether it’s true or not, it’s enough to make anyone want to sleep with a helmet on! But let’s dive into what would happen if you swallowed a spider, especially a dangerous one like the Sydney funnel-web spider.
The Sydney funnel-web spider, also known as Atrax robustus, is one of the most venomous spiders in the world. It comes from Australia, a place known for its dangerous wildlife. This spider can be found in homes near Sydney, Australia, and it’s not shy about visiting!
First, let’s be clear: don’t try this at home! If you did swallow a Sydney funnel-web spider, the biggest worry would be if it bites you on the way down. These spiders have strong fangs that can pierce a fingernail, and their venom attacks the nervous system. A bite could cause your heart to race, make it hard to breathe, and even lead to unconsciousness.
Interestingly, venom is only harmful if it enters your bloodstream through a bite. If swallowed, your stomach acid would break down the venom, making it harmless. So, while the idea of eating a spider is gross, it wouldn’t be deadly as long as it doesn’t bite you.
Most mammals, like dogs and cats, are immune to the Sydney funnel-web spider’s venom. Only invertebrates and primates, like humans, are affected. This means your pet dog could eat a spider and be just fine, while humans would need medical attention.
While the idea of swallowing spiders is unsettling, it’s mostly a myth. And if you ever did swallow a spider, as long as it doesn’t bite you, you’d be okay. Remember, it’s always best to stay safe and not try any dangerous stunts!
If you found this interesting, share it with a friend and stay curious about the world around you!
Research and create a fact sheet about the Sydney funnel-web spider. Include information about its habitat, behavior, and why it is considered dangerous. Use images and interesting facts to make your fact sheet engaging.
Pair up with a classmate and role-play an interview between a journalist and a spider expert. Prepare questions and answers about the Sydney funnel-web spider and the myth of swallowing spiders in your sleep. Perform your interview for the class.
Create a poster that educates people on how to stay safe from venomous spiders. Include tips on what to do if you encounter a spider and how to prevent bites. Use bright colors and clear messages to make your poster stand out.
Research other common myths about animals and design a simple experiment or presentation to debunk one of them. Share your findings with the class and explain why it’s important to question myths and seek the truth.
Write a short story from the perspective of a Sydney funnel-web spider. Describe a day in its life, including its interactions with humans and other animals. Use your imagination to make the story engaging and informative.
Spider – A type of arachnid known for having eight legs and the ability to produce silk webs. – The spider spun a web to catch insects for food.
Venom – A toxic substance produced by some animals, such as snakes and spiders, used to immobilize or kill prey. – The venom of a black widow spider can be harmful to humans.
Swallow – To cause food or liquid to pass through the mouth and throat into the stomach. – Birds often swallow small stones to help grind up food in their stomachs.
Nervous – Relating to the body’s network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits signals between different parts of the body. – The nervous system helps control the body’s responses to changes in the environment.
System – A group of interacting or interrelated elements that act as a complex whole. – The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients that the body can use.
Dangerous – Likely to cause harm or injury. – Some chemicals in the laboratory are dangerous and must be handled with care.
Immune – Protected against a particular disease or illness, often due to the presence of antibodies. – Vaccinations help the body become immune to certain diseases.
Mammals – A class of warm-blooded animals with hair or fur, and females produce milk to feed their young. – Humans, whales, and bats are all examples of mammals.
Acid – A substance with a sour taste that can donate a proton or accept an electron pair in reactions. – The acid in the stomach helps digest food by breaking it down into smaller molecules.
Myth – A widely held but false belief or idea, often used to explain natural phenomena. – The myth that humans only use 10% of their brains has been debunked by scientists.
