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Student Article

World’s Deadliest Spiders: The Top 10 Most Venomous Arachnids

By: James Cutmore
Originally Published in  Science Focus

These spiders may look small, but their venomous bites can cause serious harm to humans and other animals. Learn about the world’s top 10 most dangerous spiders and where they live.

The article "World’s Deadliest Spiders: The Top 10 Most Venomous Arachnids" from BBC Science Focus explores which spiders around the globe have the most dangerous venom. While most spiders aren't harmful to humans, some can cause pain, sickness, and even death. From the Australian funnel-web to the Chilean recluse, this list ranks the spiders you’d never want to meet.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Life Science
Keywords
spidersvenomous spidersdangerous animalsspider bitesAustralian funnel-webrecluse spider
Close-up of a spider showing two fangs, each with a drop of venom
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 500-600L
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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 700-900L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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