Our Privacy/Cookie Policy contains detailed information about the types of cookies & related technology on our site, and some ways to opt out. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use.

Close

Are Zigzag Spiders Poisonous?

i Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images

The “zigzag spider” is a nickname for the black-and-yellow argiope spider, a type of orb weaver named for the peculiar webs it spins. In the case of the argiope spider, the female makes the classic round web, and her mate makes a heavy, zigzag-patterned web in the outer portion of hers. These spiders depend on their webs to catch prey such as mosquitoes, flies, gnats and ants.

Venom

Once the web has snared a bug, the zigzag spider runs to it and injects venom into it to paralyze the prey and to liquify its insides so the spider will be able to make a meal of it. Although this venom is deadly to the spider’s tiny victims, it is relatively harmless to people -- of concern only to the very young, the very old or those allergic to it. In most cases a bite from a zigzag spider is similar to that of a bee sting and does no lasting damage.