Definitely not for arachnophobes

A new species of Sydney funnel web has been discovered – and it’s a monster

It’s bigger. They think it’s deadlier. And its exact location is secret. Scientists have declared the Sydney funnel web – hallowed and feared as the world’s most venomous spider – is in fact three separate species. And one of the spiders, new to science, is a certified monster.

The spider’s sheer size means it could pose an even greater danger to humans than the classic Sydney funnel web. Current antivenom can treat its fatal bite, but scientists are keen to pinpoint differences in venom toxicity in case a more species-specific antidote could be crafted.

The new species, nicknamed “the big boy”, was given the scientific name Atrax christenseni after the Central Coast spider-wrangler who led scientists to its discovery.

That man, Kane Christensen, joined the Australian Reptile Park in 2003 as a volunteer venom milker. Each summer the park near Gosford asks the public to drop off captured funnel webs for the production of antivenom.

A normal male funnel web might grow a 2.5 centimetre body. A newly described species easily doubles that. (Note: do not handle funnel webs.)

https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/a-new-species-of-sydney-funnel-web-has-been-discovered-and-it-s-a-monster-20241211-p5kxmz.html

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