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VENOMOUS ARTHROPOD HANDBOOK
VENOMOUS ARTHROPOD HANDBOOK
Envenomization Symptoms/Treatment, Identification, Biology and Control Terry L. Biery, Captain, USAF, BSC Disease Surveillance Branch Epidemiology Division USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Aerospace Medical Division (AFSC) Brooks Air Force Base, Texas 78235 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents. U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, DC. 20402 Stock No. 008-070-00397-0/Catalog No. D 301,35: 161/43 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1977 O—251-048...
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PREFACE
PREFACE
The purpose of this handbook is to provide Air Force medical personnel with a quick reference on the problems caused by the more important venomous arthropods found in the United States. An attempt has been made to include the latest information available in the scientific literature. The author would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of Mr. Orville V. Anderson, USAFSAM Photographer; Captain Robert W. Clegern, USAF, BSC, Medical Entomologist; and Lieutenant Colonel John C. Moseley, USA
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Although most residents of the United States are aware of the pain and discomfort associated with contacting a venomous arthropod, many are not aware that these arthropods (such as ants, bees, wasps, spiders, and scorpions) are responsible for more human deaths in the United States each year than any other group of venomous animals, including snakes. In fact, a study by Parrish 15 showed that venomous arthropods accounted for more than 65% of the reported human fatalities caused by venomous anim
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1. BLACK WIDOW SPIDER (Latrodectus mactans)
1. BLACK WIDOW SPIDER (Latrodectus mactans)
Identification. The female black widow has a shiny black body, approximately 1.5 cm (0.6 in) long, and usually a red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of her globose abdomen. On some individuals the distinct hourglass marking is replaced with several triangles or spots or an irregular longitudinal blotch. She has slim black legs with a span of 4 cm (1.5 in). The male is considerably smaller than the female, usually a patterned brown color, and is not a threat to man. Distribution. Latrod
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2. BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER (Loxosceles reclusa)
2. BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER (Loxosceles reclusa)
Identification. The brown recluse is a medium-sized spider with a 2- to 4-cm (0.8-1.6 in) legspan and a color range from yellow tan to dark brown. The most distinguishing characteristics are six eyes (most spiders have eight eyes) arranged in a semicircle of three pairs on top of the head, and a violin-shaped marking extending from the area of the eyes to the abdomen. Distribution. Brown recluse spiders occur throughout an area of the Southcentral States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Il
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3. CENTIPEDES (Class: Chilopoda)
3. CENTIPEDES (Class: Chilopoda)
Identification. Centipedes are multisegmented elongate arthropods with a distinct head and one pair of legs, or appendages, per segment. Size is species dependent, with body length ranging from approximately 2.5 to 25 cm (1-10 in) or more. The number of legs can therefore vary from 15 to 100 pairs or more, depending upon the species. Distribution. The range of centipedes varies with the species; however, these arthropods are most numerous in the southern half of the United States. Biology/Behavi
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4. CONENOSE OR KISSING BUGS (Triatoma spp.)
4. CONENOSE OR KISSING BUGS (Triatoma spp.)
Identification. Species of the genus Triatoma have the elongate (cone-shaped) head which is characteristic of the family Reduviidae. Hence, the name “conenose bugs” is often used to describe these insects. Orange and black markings are usually present where the abdomen extends laterally past the folded wings. These insects are flattened dorsally, and this trait allows them to effectively hide in small cracks and crevices. The size of mature adults varies from approximately 1 to 3 cm (0.4-1.2 in)
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5. WHEEL BUG (Arilus cristatus)
5. WHEEL BUG (Arilus cristatus)
Identification. Arilus cristatus has the small narrow head characteristic of the Reduviidae family of Hemiptera (true bugs). This insect is mouse gray in color and approximately 2.5 to 4 cm (1-1.6 in) long. A cogwheel-like crest on the dorsal side of the prothorax is distinctive to this insect and accounts for its popular name, “wheel bug.” Distribution. Wheel bugs are generally found in the southern two-thirds of the United States. Biology/Behavior. Wheel bugs are predacious on soft-bodied inse
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1. ANTS (Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae)
1. ANTS (Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae)
Fire Ant Mound Harvester Ant Mound Identification. Like other Hymenoptera, females of dangerous ant species have a stinger at the posterior tip of the abdomen. Their constricted “waist” between the thorax and posterior abdomen and their elbowed antennae distinguish them from similar insects. The dangerous United States species belong to genera Solenopsis (fire ants) or Pogonomyrmex (harvester ants). The easiest way to distinguish these ants is by their mounds. Fire ants build elevated earthen mo
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2. BEES (Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Apidae)
2. BEES (Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Apidae)
Identification. Two families of bees are commonly associated with human envenomization: Apidae (honey bees and bumble bees) and Halictidae (sweat bees). Only the honey bees and bumble bees are considered dangerous. Both are robust hairy insects with two pairs of membranous wings which they hold at an angular position over the body when at rest. Microscopic examination shows that bee thoracic hairs are individually “feathered.” In contrast, wasp thoracic hairs are smooth. Distribution. Dangerous
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3. SCORPIONS (Class: Arachnida; Order: Scorpionida)
3. SCORPIONS (Class: Arachnida; Order: Scorpionida)
Identification. Scorpions are crablike in appearance, with pincers attached to their two front appendages. They also possess a five-segmented “tail” terminating in a bulbous structure with a prominent stinger. The body size of mature scorpions varies from 2 to 10 cm (0.8-4 in) or more, depending upon the species. Distribution. Scorpions are most prevalent in warmer climates. In the United States the two most dangerous scorpion species, Centruroides sculpturatus and C. gertschi , have been found
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4. VELVET ANTS (Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Mutillidae)
4. VELVET ANTS (Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Mutillidae)
Identification. Female velvet ants, wingless and antlike in appearance, are actually wasps that only resemble ants. The males are winged and usually larger than the females. Both male and female are covered with a velvety pubescence which is normally bright red, orange, or yellow. The female has a formidable stinger at the posterior end of her abdomen which she can use to inflict a painful envenomization. The length of a mature mutillid wasp varies from 1 to 2.5 cm (0.4-1 in). In some localities
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5. WASPS (Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Vespidae)
5. WASPS (Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Vespidae)
Bald-Faced Hornet Yellow Jacket Identification. This information applies to all dangerous wasps found in the United States except the mutillids (previously discussed). Wasps are elongate insects with three distinct body parts and four wings. As with all winged forms of Hymenoptera, the front pair of wings is larger than the hind pair. Only the female wasps are equipped with a stinger at the posterior end of the abdomen. To distinguish wasps from similar-appearing bees, the specimen’s thoracic ha
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1. BLISTER BEETLES (Order: Coleoptera; Family: Meloidae)
1. BLISTER BEETLES (Order: Coleoptera; Family: Meloidae)
Identification. The Meloidae are narrow elongate beetles characterized by a “neck” (pronotum) which is distinctly narrower than its head or wings. Adult beetles range in body length from 1 to 2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) and vary considerably in their coloration. Distribution. In general, blister beetles are found in greater numbers in the western half of the United States. 5 Biology/Behavior. The immature stages of the blister beetle are usually predacious on other insects and are not harmful to man. Adul
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2. URTICATING CATERPILLARS a. IO MOTH CATERPILLAR (Automeris io)
2. URTICATING CATERPILLARS a. IO MOTH CATERPILLAR (Automeris io)
Identification. The Automeris io caterpillar is the larva of the Io moth, which belongs to the moth family Saturniidae. A full-grown caterpillar is about 5 to 8 cm (2-3 in) long, pale green, with lateral strips of red or maroon over white running the length of the body. Near the center of each body segment is a partial row of tubercles armed with radiating green and black spines. Many of these spines are venomous, and their tips are connected to rather large individualized poison glands. Distrib
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b. PUSS CATERPILLAR (Megalopyge opercularis)
b. PUSS CATERPILLAR (Megalopyge opercularis)
Identification. The puss caterpillar is the larva of a lepidopterous group commonly referred to as “flannel moths.” In some parts of the United States the larva is incorrectly referred to as an “asp.” When fully mature, the larvae are near white to dark gray in color, 2 to 3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) long, and completely covered dorsolaterally with hairs that cause them to resemble elongate tufts of cotton. Some of the hairs are venomous, and when they penetrate the skin a “toxin” passes from an underlyin
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c. SADDLEBACK CATERPILLAR (Sibine stimulea)
c. SADDLEBACK CATERPILLAR (Sibine stimulea)
Identification. The saddleback caterpillar is easy to recognize since its brown sluglike body is covered mid-dorsally with markings that resemble a brown or purplish saddle sitting on a green and white saddle blanket. Upon close examination, stout spines can be observed along the caterpillar’s lateral body margin and on its four tubercles. Many of these spines are hairs that are connected at their bases with individual poison glands. Just prior to pupation and subsequent development into a moth,
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General
General
1. Barnard, J.H. Cutaneous responses to insects. JAMA 196:3 (1966). 2. Borror, D.J., and D.M. DeLong. An introduction to the study of insects, 2d ed. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1964. 3. Dodge, N.N. Poisonous dwellers of the desert. Popular Series No. 3, Southwestern Monuments Assoc., Box 1562, Globe, Ariz., 1955. 4. Frazier, C.A. Diagnosis and treatment of insect bites. Clin Symp 20:75-100 (1968). 5. Frazier, C.A. Insect allergy: Allergic reactions to bites of insects and other arthro
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Blister Beetles
Blister Beetles
20. Lehmann, C.F., et al. Blister beetle dermatosis. Arch Dermatol 71:36-38 (1955). 21. Rosin, R.D. Cantharides intoxication. Br Med J 4:33 (1967)...
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Centipedes
Centipedes
22. Cloudsley-Thompson, J.L. Spiders, scorpions, centipedes and mites. New York: Pergamon, 1958. 23. Pineda, E.V. A fatal case of centipede bite. J Philipp Med Assoc 3:59-61 (1923). 24. Remington, C.L. The bite and habits of a giant centipede ( Scolopendra subspinipes ) in the Philippine Islands. Am J Trop Med 30:453-455 (1950)....
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Hemiptera
Hemiptera
25. Hall, M.C. Lesions due to the bite of the wheel-bug, Arilus cristatus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae). Arch Intern Med 33:513-515 (1924). 26. Marks, M.B. Stinging insects: Allergy implications. Pediatr Clin North Am 16:177-191 (1969). 27. Nichols, N., and T.W. Green. Allergic reactions to “kissing bug” bites. Calif Med 98:267-268 (1963). 28. Parsons, D.J. Bedbug bite anaphylaxis misinterpreted as coronary occlusion. Ohio Med J 51:669 (1955). 29. Readio, P.A. Studies on the biology of the Reduviidae
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Hymenoptera
Hymenoptera
33. Barnard, J.H. Studies of 400 hymenoptera sting deaths in the United States. J Allergy Clin Dermatol 52:259-264 (1973). 34. Barr, S.E. Allergy to hymenoptera stings. JAMA 228:718-720 (1974). 35. Busse, W., et al. Protection following honeybee venom immunotherapy in a case of beesting anaphylaxis. (Abstract) J Allergy Clin Immunol 53:104 (1974). 36. Busse, W.S., et al. Immunotherapy in bee-sting anaphylaxis: Use of honeybee venom. JAMA 231:1154-1156 (1975). 37. Charavejasarn, C.C., et al. Stin
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Scorpions
Scorpions
50. Masco, H.L. Scorpion bite treatment with chlorpromazine. JAMA 212:2122 (1970). 51. Stahnke, H.L. Scorpions. Tempe, Ariz.: Arizona State College Bookstore, 1949. 52. Vachon, M. The biology of scorpions. Endeavor April:80-89 (1953)....
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Spiders
Spiders
53. Anderson, P.C. What’s new in loxoscelism? Mo Med 70:711, 712, 718 (1973). 54. Atkins, J.A., et al. Probable cause of necrotic spider bite in the Midwest. Science 126:73 (1957). 55. Auer, A.I., and F.B. Hershey. Surgery for necrotic bites of the brown spider. Arch Surg 108:612-618 (1974). 56. Cheng, A.K. USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, San Antonio, Tex. Personal communication, 1974. 57. Gladney, W.J. Controlling the brown recluse spider. U.S. Department of Agriculture Leaflet No. 556, 1972
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Urticating Caterpillars
Urticating Caterpillars
64. Daly, J.A., and B.L. Derrick. Puss caterpillar sting in Arkansas. South Med J 68:893-894 (1975). 65. Kendall, R.O. San Antonio, Tex. Personal communication, 1975. 66. McGovern, J.P., et al. Megalopyge opercularis : Observations of its life history, natural history of its sting in man, and report of an epidemic. JAMA 175: 121-124 (1961). 67. Micks, D.S. Clinical effects of the sting of the “puss caterpillar” ( Megalopyge opercularis S. & A.) on man. Tex Rep Biol Med 10:399-405 (1952).
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BLACK WIDOW SPIDER
BLACK WIDOW SPIDER
IMMEDIATE: Pinprick sensation from the bite LOCAL: Dull numbing pain; two red puncture marks at bite site. Pain peaks at 1-3 hours and persists 12-48 hours REGIONAL: GENERAL: DEATHS: 4-5% of untreated cases due to neurotoxic effect of the venom LOCAL FIRST AID: Ineffective and unnecessary SYSTEMIC:...
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BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER
BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER
IMMEDIATE: Very little pain, if any LOCAL: SYSTEMIC: DEATHS: Reported; usually in children, due to renal failure and hematological abnormalities. LOCAL FIRST AID: None effective or necessary LOCAL: Within 4 hours of the bite, locally excise bite site...
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CENTIPEDES
CENTIPEDES
IMMEDIATE: Pain, often intense LOCAL: 1-4 hours—A two-puncture wound at the site with redness, swelling, and a burning aching pain that subsides in 4-5 hours REGIONAL: Rare—Purpura of an entire limb ANAPHYLAXIS AND DEATH: None reported in the United States LOCAL FIRST AID: SYSTEMIC: Analgesics for pain...
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TRUE BUGS (KISSING BUGS)
TRUE BUGS (KISSING BUGS)
IMMEDIATE: Usually no sensation, occasionally mild pain LOCAL: (Four distinct reactions depending on degree of sensitivity): ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK: Rare, but reported DEATHS: None reported LOCAL FIRST AID: Wash with soap and water SYSTEMIC: Oral antihistamines ( Chart 1 )...
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ANTS
ANTS
IMMEDIATE: Fierce burning pain lasting minutes LOCAL: (Fire Ants) SYSTEMIC: Due to allergic sensitization; severity and speed of onset related to degree of sensitivity. May see wheezing, urticaria, abdominal cramps, generalized edema, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, shock ANAPHYLAXIS AND DEATH: Rare, but reported LOCAL FIRST AID: SYSTEMIC:...
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BEES AND WASPS
BEES AND WASPS
IMMEDIATE: Pain LOCAL: Within 1-4 hours—Appearance and subsidence of wheal and red flare; may see intense local swelling in region of sting ANAPHYLAXIS AND SUDDEN DEATH: Many cases reported, usually in adults LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT: (for hypersensitive patients)...
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SCORPIONS
SCORPIONS
IMMEDIATE: Severe sharp pain LOCAL: SYSTEMIC (neurotoxic species only—within 1-3 hours): ANAPHYLAXIS: Rare, but reported with non-neurotoxic species DEATHS: Occasional; due to neurotoxic species LOCAL FIRST AID: SYSTEMIC:...
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URTICATING CATERPILLARS
URTICATING CATERPILLARS
IMMEDIATE: Severe burning pain LOCAL: DEATHS: None reported LOCAL FIRST AID:...
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