Funnel-Web Spider (Atracidae)

Funnel-Web Spider is a family of spiders with the most powerful venom in the world of all spiders. Among them, the venom of Tree-dwelling funnel-web spiders and Sydney funnel-web spiders is potentially lethal. The Funnel-Web Spider is very agile and flexible, less dependent on spider silk, they are ready to attack the opponent if they feel threatened.

They possess sharp fangs capable of piercing nails, venom glands distributed inside the body. When threatened, the Funnel-Web Spider bares its fangs and stands on its hind legs, which will attack and bite an opponent up to 28 times if it finds the threat has not diminished. After being bitten, symptoms usually appear within an hour. Initially, the victim will feel goosebumps, itching around the mouth and tongue, sweating, convulsions, increased blood pressure,... Then it will progress to nausea, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema, extreme hypertension degree,... and can lead to death within 15 minutes.

However, at present, humans have methods and preparations for a cure for this type of bite. As a result, no deaths caused by Funnel-Web Spider have been recorded since reasonable cures are available. However, it is necessary to increase vigilance when encountering this venomous spider.

Location: Australia.
Habitat: Shrubberies, rockeries, cool, moist, sheltered environment.
Length: 1cm - 5cm.
Venom’s power: Lethal after 15 minutes - 3 days.
Toxins: Atracotoxins (ACTX).