What happens when a pokie bites...

Some of you have probably seen this video, or some of RobC's other vids. This guy loves his spiders and is very experienced. Even the most experienced can get bitten...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12fceSdaZoo&feature=related

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06nkjEVAkV8&feature=related

That pokie venom was a bit more potent than a bee sting for that guy.
Is that the usual response or was he having an allergic reaction?
My next tarantula is going to be a P.regalis as well.
I'll be wearing my suit of armour whenever I go near it's viv.

From what I've read , Pokies have 'medically significant' bites .

As far as I am aware, pokies have pretty much the strongest venom in T's. So I would assume what happened to that guy would happen to most people.

All you need is a little common sense. I'v had mine for about a year now, and never come close to getting bitten..........touch wood!

Ah I love RobC's videos on Youtube, I've probably watched them all and I suscribe haha. It is interesting to know what happens though, so props to him for posting it!

Pokie venom, as are most of the Old World tarantula, is much more potent than your Brachypelma, Grammostola, Aphonopelma species. Generally New World species are equipped with bee sting like venom and have other defences that they're more inclined to use, eg. kicking irritating (urticating) hairs or making noises (stridulating). There are of course exceptions eg. Psalmopeous genus.

Its been argued what "medically significant" means but to my mind its the potential to induce a bite that might require medication or a venom which might have medicinal qualities. P. cambridgei for instance can give a painful bite and their venom is currently being tested as a treatment for erectile dysfunction!

Pokies, although equipped with quite a potent venom, resulting in swelling, sweating, nausea, pains to the joint and arms etc. often shy away from disturbance, retreating to their hides. A good tube of bamboo or cork will prove invaluable for this and once its down the tube its easy to stuff with kitchen towel to allow any necessary maintenance. The more aggressive African baboons are equipped with the strongest of venoms, which includes Pterinochillus, Hysterocrates and Stromatapelma species. These don't tend to run and hide as much as the pokies.

Its worth remembering that most bites are likely to be dry bites (without venom) or mechanical bites (resulting from large fangs) and the dosage of a venom bite will vary. Also the reaction can vary from one person to the next.

If you have a non-handling policy and use some sensible precautions (a pair of long tweezers is a great investment) and give them respect you shouldn't have any issues.

Great info there pete
I love watching robC videos too, He is a member on arachnoboards and i always look forward to his posts.

Yep i also subscribe to his vids to, i love the way he starts nearly ever vid by saying "Hi Guys", hes great!!!!!

Not a fan of handling videos of any description, but his H. gigas enclosure is amazing.