Funnel-Web Spider
Australia's most venomous spider — and one against which effective antivenom has prevented every death since 1981
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Overview
The Sydney funnel-web spider is genuinely one of the world's most venomous spiders with a venom that acts fast and a temperament more aggressive than most spiders. It's also one of the great antivenom medicine successes — since 1981, no confirmed funnel-web fatality has occurred in Australia.
Friendly fact
Australians who find funnel-web spiders are encouraged to capture them and donate them to venom-milking programs. The spiders are milked regularly, released unharmed, and their venom saves lives. One of the few cases where the feared animal directly funds its own antidote.
Fascinating facts
- 1
Sydney funnel-web venom contains atracotoxin, which affects primate nervous systems disproportionately severely — a rabbit can receive a lethal human dose and survive.
- 2
Male funnel-webs wander during summer seeking mates, entering homes and falling into pools. This is when most bites occur.
- 3
Funnel-web spiders are aggressive compared to most spiders — they rear up and show fangs, but this display precedes most bites, giving clear warning.
- 4
Australian antivenom is derived from venom milked from captive spiders maintained in ongoing programs specifically for this purpose.
- 5
Funnel-web spiders are found only in eastern Australia — not throughout the continent.
Myth vs. Reality
Myth
Funnel-web bites are always fatal.
Reality
Before 1981 they caused deaths. Since antivenom became widely available, no confirmed death has occurred. Dangerous — but entirely survivable with treatment.
Myth
Funnel-web spiders are found throughout Australia.
Reality
They're concentrated in eastern Australia, primarily New South Wales. The vast majority of Australia has none.