Venomous spider species spreads across Finland

Yle, citing the magazine Suomen Luonto, reports that the venomous piikkipihdikki spider is spreading in Finland.

The species was first recorded on Seili island in 2022. It has since been found elsewhere along the southwestern coast and archipelago. In late summer this year, it was also discovered on the Porkkalanniemi peninsula in Kirkkonummi.

The piikkipihdikki is most abundant in Central Europe and has also spread to Sweden, Germany and the Baltic countries.

It is more venomous than other piikkipihdikki spiders found in Finland. Based on studies conducted in Central Europe, its venom is classified as medically significant. The venom is reported to contain substances that act at the cellular level and trigger a strong inflammatory reaction.

A bite from the piikkipihdikki is often extremely painful, but studies indicate that bites are very rare. They almost always happen accidentally, for example when the spider is picked up or becomes trapped.