spider bite [ME, spithre + AS, bitan + L, potio, drink] , a puncture wound produced by the bite by any of nearly 60 species of venomous spiders found in North America. Most spiders have fangs that are too short or fragile to penetrate the skin, but some are dangerous to humans. These include the black widow, Latrodectus mactans; the brown recluse, Loxosceles reclusa; and species of jumping spiders and tarantulas. Spider venom may contain enzymatic proteins, including peptides that may affect neuromuscular transmission or cardiovascular function.
