Thanks to information from the ncultura website, you can find out more about venomous species in Portugal.

Scorpion

The scorpion, (Buthus occitanus), is a nocturnal arachnid with a neurotoxic sting. Although predominant in the Alentejo and Algarve, it rarely comes into homes. The bites can cause intense pain, partial paralysis and other symptoms.

Portuguese man-of-war

The Portuguese man-of-war, which is not exactly an animal; is a colony of four distinct polyps from the Physaliidae family. Despite its beauty, the Portuguese man-of-war is dangerous and is found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Present in the Azores, Madeira and occasionally on the continental coast, its tentacles can reach 50 metres in length, and release a venom similar to that of the black widow, causing intense pain and burns.

Spiders: European Tarantula and European Black Widow

Two spiders which are present in Portugal are the Mediterranean tarantula (Lycosa tarantula) and the Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus). The tarantula, a medium-sized wolf spider, rarely poses a danger to humans, causing local pain. The black widow, on the other hand, with a 1 cm body and red spots on the abdomen, has a more toxic venom. Although the bites are generally not fatal in adults, children weighing less than 15 kg are at risk of death.

Snakes: Seoane Viper and Horned Viper

Among the venomous snakes, the Seoane viper (vipera seoanei) and the horned viper (vipera latastei) stand out. The Seoane viper is endemic to the north of the Iberian Peninsula, while the horned viper, with a triangular head and “horn” on the snout, can reach 70 cm. The bites, although rarely fatal in adults, can be dangerous in children or vulnerable people, causing everything from local pain to serious complications.