Funnel Web Spider
The Funnel-web spiders (Atrax Robustus) are some of the most dangerous spiders in the world and causes severe envenomations in eastern and southern Australia. The venom from a funnel web spider can kill a human within 15 minutes. Unfortunately Atrax robustus is said to be a very aggressive spider. Research suggest the opposite.
If approached by anything it will take up an attack position with its front legs raised and the fangs from a funnel web spider has been known to be able to pierce fingernails.
Funnel web spiders comprise about 40 species in two genera (Atrax and Hadronyche). The most famous species is Atrax robustus. The length of an average A. robustus is 2-4 cm. The carapace covering the front part of the body is almost airless and appears smooth and glossy. It's body is dark brown and black. The abdomen features some enlarged spinnerets making it easy to distinguish from others. It prefers dry plains or forests.
Venom from the funnel web spider
The venom from an Atrax robustus contains a chemical called atratoxin. Atratoxia attacks nerves and causes tremendous sensations of pain. An antitoxin against its poison was developed in 1981.
The carapace of an Atrax is raised and longer than wide. They build typical tubular burrow retreats, with a collapsed «tunnel» or open «funnel» entrance. Silk radiates from the entrance out over the ground. The spiders seize prey that walks over the entrances.
Sometimes several spiders form colonies aggregating their burrows within a small area.
Adult males leave their burrows to seek a mate. Such males may enter houses. For this reason they account for many bites and deaths.
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