Researchers in Mexico have stumbled upon a new species of spider that has venom that can cause human skin to rot. Nice.
They've called the spider Loxosceles tenochtitlan and have confirmed it is native to the Valley of Mexico region.
Its venom can easily destroy human tissue before making it necrotic and cause lesions in the skin of up to 40 centimetres. The healing process can take several months and can leave a permanent scar in the end.
Scientists from the Biology Institute at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) made the fascinating find. The discovery title has been handed to biologist and university professor Alejandro Valdez-Mondragon along with his students Claudia Navarro, Karen Solis, Mayra Cortez y Alma Juarez.
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Mr Valdez-Mondragon told local media: "As it is very similar to the Loxosceles misteca we thought that it had been introduced to this region by the shipping of ornamental plants, but when doing molecular biology studies of both species, we realised that they are completely different."
As previously mentioned, the venom inside this bad boy is unbelievably powerful - and one of the most terrifying thing about these spiders is that they like it indoors.
Valdez-Mondragon added: "We provide them with the temperature, humidity and food to establish themselves in our homes, which puts us at risk of having an accident with them, although they also perform an important ecological function when feeding on insects."
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Great. Just great.
So if you're wandering through Mexico just be on the look out for this type of recluse spider because you could end up very worse for wear if it manages to bite you.
Featured Image Credit: CEN