Missulena (mouse spider)

Introduction

Image: red-headed mouse spider (Missulena occatoria)

Epidemiology

• found mostly in coastal & drier regions of Australia
  • mouse spiders do not live in tropical rain forests
• one species is found in Chile
• squat build, wide head, widespread eyes

Pathology

• unlike funnel web spiders, mouse spiders are more likely to inflict a dry bite, without envenomation
• when envenomation does occur, it is more potent than venom from funnel web spider

Differential diagnosis

• Australian funnel web spiders

Management

• funnel web spider antivenin

More general terms

• spider

Additional terms

• spider bite