Article: Spider was nearly a sick snack

An asda shopper got more than she bargained for with her bags of grapes when she almost ate what is believed to be a venomous African spider.

Judith Smith was horrified to discover the brown fanged spider, along with dozens of tiny eggs, as she snacked on grapes at her desk in Tamar Science Park.

Insect expert Peter Smithers, from the University of Plymouth, identified the arachnid from pictures as a sac spider.

He said it can give a small bite, although unlikely to, and probably came from Namibia, where the fruit was packed.

Judith, who works as an administrator for the National Blood Service, bought the grapes from the Estover Asda store on her way to work on Wednesday. The 32 year old, ...

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