An interesting video has emerged of a man handling a large Brazilian Wandering Spider in a demonstration for Bolivian military officers.

According to Jean-Luc, who is an expert in natural, medical and anthropic risk factors for the guyano-Amazonian region, the spider is a ‘Phoneutria nigriventer’ - also known as a ‘Banana Spider’.

Describing his encounter, Jean-Luc wrote online: “There are eight known spiders of the Phoneutria species. They are especially dreaded for their aggressiveness and the painful symptoms of their neurotoxic venom.”

“A toxin found in the venom of Phoneutria nigriventer, PnTx2-6, is known to lead to a spontaneous erection of the penis. Some researchers believe that this toxin could lead to a new cure for erectile dysfunction and even replace viagra in the future.”

“When they feel in danger, Phoneutria adopt this typical position where they raise their front legs, meaning that their body is almost vertical. They copy the movements of their aggressor, ready to bite and can jump several centimetres.”

“Their Brazilian name is “aranhas armadeiras” or simply “armadeiras” which means “Brazilian armed spiders” in English. In contrast to other arachnid species like Latrodectus (black widows), both male and female Phoneutria nigriventer spiders are able to deliver a bite”.

An interesting video has emerged of a man handling a large Brazilian Wandering Spider in a demonstration for Bolivian military officers.

According to Jean-Luc, who is an expert in natural, medical and anthropic risk factors for the guyano-Amazonian region, the spider is a ‘Phoneutria nigriventer’ - also known as a ‘Banana Spider’.

Describing his encounter, Jean-Luc wrote online: “There are eight known spiders of the Phoneutria species. They are especially dreaded for their aggressiveness and the painful symptoms of their neurotoxic venom.”

“A toxin found in the venom of Phoneutria nigriventer, PnTx2-6, is known to lead to a spontaneous erection of the penis. Some researchers believe that this toxin could lead to a new cure for erectile dysfunction and even replace viagra in the future.”

“When they feel in danger, Phoneutria adopt this typical position where they raise their front legs, meaning that their body is almost vertical. They copy the movements of their aggressor, ready to bite and can jump several centimetres.”

“Their Brazilian name is “aranhas armadeiras” or simply “armadeiras” which means “Brazilian armed spiders” in English. In contrast to other arachnid species like Latrodectus (black widows), both male and female Phoneutria nigriventer spiders are able to deliver a bite”.