Two venomous spiders, one with a 3 1/2-inch-long leg span, were found this week in shipping containers of granite and flagstone from Brazil.

One of the spiders was captured Monday. Customs and Border Protection agents were able to seal the container, which was being off-loaded. That spider was turned over to entomologists with the state agriculture department.

Then on Thursday, a second container from the same shipment was opened and another spider was found and killed by a worker unloading the container. The spider was destroyed to the extent it could not be positively identified, but the worker said it looked like the photo of the Brazilian wandering spider, or phoneutria. The second container was sealed and quarantined. The Plant Quarantine Branch is working with the importer to have the containers shipped back to Brazil, according to a press release.

“This incident emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts between federal and state inspection agencies in preventing invasive species from entering Hawaii,” said Scott Enright, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “We each have our own inspection areas and duties, but communication is key in protecting the state.”

The Brazilian wandering spider is found in most areas of South America; however, it is not established in North America. They are considered one of the most venomous spiders in the world and may grow to have a leg span of five inches, the state said in its press release. Venom from the spider can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, vomiting, blurred vision and intense pain where the bite occurs.

This species of spider does not spin webs, but wanders around for their food – thus the name. Their diet consists of insects, other spiders, lizards and small rodents.

Suspected invasive species should be reported immediately to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).