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Funnel Web Spider

There are two species of Funnel Web spiders in Australia. The first is known as the Sydney Funnel Web and is from Newcastle to Nowra and west to Lithgow. The Blue Mountains Funnel Web spider is found in Eastern Australia including Tasmania in coastal and highland forest regions - as far west as the Gulf Ranges area of South Australia.
Funnel Webs are large spiders, ranging from 1.5 - 4.5 cm in body length, with glossy dark brown to black carapace. Their eyes are closely grouped and the abdomen is usually dark plum to black and not patterned. Males often have a ventral spur or swelling midway along the second leg, this spur is pointed in the Sydney Funnel Web and blunt or absent in the Blue Mountains Funnel Web.

Spinnerets are usually obvious, at the rear, and their ends are usually longer than wide. They burrow in sheltered habitats - under rocks, in rotting logs, tree holes, etc., in bush and gardens. Irregular silk trap lines radiate out from the burrow entrance (Gulf ranges species excepted). Males leave their burrows and wander in search of females, particularly during summer and autumn. Bites are most prevalent in this period.

Funnel Webs are extremely dangerous. Their bites can cause serious illness or death. Male venom is sometimes more toxic than the female. Initial symptoms include local pain, mouth numbness, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating and salivation. Antivenom is available - no deaths have occurred since its introduction.
Bites usually occur on a limb. Immediate action should be taken to apply a pressure bandage and immobilise the bitten limb by splinting. Restrict the movement of the victim. Capture the spider for positive identification and seek medical attention urgently.

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