'Big boy' spider becomes Australia's largest and deadliest arachnid after surprise discovery

By Olivia Ferrari
published 18 minutes ago

The Sydney funnel-web spider has extremely dangerous venom, but according to a new study this spider is actually three different species — one of which, the "Newcastle big boy," is much larger.



Newcastle Funnel-web Spider (Atrax christenseni) male.
Atrax christenseni is the biggest of the three Sydney funnel-web spiders previously thought to be a single species. (Image credit: © Kane Christensen)

One of Australia's biggest and deadliest spiders is actually three different species, researchers discover — and one of these behemoth arachnids is even bigger than the rest.

Sydney funnel-web spiders (Atrax robustus) are glossy black in color and grow to 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) long. The iconic arachnids are also among the most venomous spiders to humans.

Called funnel-web spiders after their long, narrow, silk-lined burrows these spiders can live in suburban areas and wander into houses during the summer when males leave the burrow to search for mates. Their venom contains a toxin that attacks the human nervous system, so bites need immediate medical attention — otherwise, a victim can die within 15 minutes.

The Sydney funnel-web spider was first described in 1877. Since then, scientists have developed a better understanding of funnel-web spiders and how they are related, describing more types of funnel-web spiders throughout Australia.

More:
https://www.livescience.com/animals/spiders/big-boy-spider-becomes-australias-largest-and-deadliest-arachnid-after-surprise-discovery



A female Sydney funnel web spider