Rockport Texas - The History, Legends & Lore 1st Printing | Page 32

BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER (sp. Loxosceles reclusa) Unlike most web-spinning spiders, the Brown Recluse leaves the comfort of its web to go hunting at night. The flesh eroding toxin of this spider is in the form of a protein that can be broken down by an electrical current directed at the bite area if quickly applied. It has been said that a simple direct current (DC) device with a low amperage will suffice, such as a spark plug wire on a pull-cord lawnmower. ROCKPORT JUMPING SPIDER (sp. Rabidosa rabida) Known as the Rabid Wolf Spider, they are non-poisonous, fast moving, night hunters, and the females can be most agressive when carrying their egg sacs. They aren’t known as a particulary large spider, but here in Rockport they can grow as big as Tarantualas. They are also the most common spider found in the U.S. LORE: This is a 165 Million Year Old fossil of a Golden Orb Weaver with legs over 6 inches long. It was discovered in Mongolia and is currently the largest fossil of a spider ever found. 31