Dangerous Brazilian sets up home in Stratford on Avon

Buy photos » Stratford Butterfly Farm's latest resident - a Brazilian Wandering spider. (s)

SECURITY has been stepped up at Stratford Butterfly Farm following the arrival of a new inmate.

The Swan's Nest Lane attraction is now home to the Brazilian Wandering spider - the deadliest spider in the world.

Wandering spiders - so-called because they wander the jungle floor at night - are extremely venomous as well as being particularly aggressive. Usually found in tropical South and Central America, the deadly spider appeared in the Guinness World Records in 2010 as the world's most venomous spider.

Housed inside an alarmed cage to ensure complete safety, visitors are able to get within inches of the new arrival.

Although deadly, bites from this spider are rare as they wisely prefer to avoid large animals such as humans. Should someone be unlucky enough to get bitten then side-effects including loss of muscle control, severe pain, difficulty breathing, and oxygen deprivation could eventually cause death.

The spider's leg span can grow up to five inches with a body length of nearly two inches long.

Stratford Butterfly Farm spokeswoman Emma Bartholomew said: “We are delighted to have a Brazilian Wandering spider amongst our many inhabitants! Although dangerous, the spider is safely installed in one of our alarmed tanks and completely safe for visitors to view."

Visit www.butterflyfarm.co.uk for further details.

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