The Sydney funnel-web spider is a species of venomous spider.Those deadly spiders are large in size. Their toxic venom has earned them the name of being the most deadly spiders in the world.The funnel-web spider contains very strong venom that can cause death to a human being. Although an antidote has been discovered, a bite from the funnel-web spider will still cause extreme pain and discomfort to a human being. While the female spider of this species usually stays in their burrows for most of the time, males are very active. They have large fangs which are even larger in size than that of a brown snake. Cockroaches, snails, and their small invertebrates comprise the majority part of their diet. If a person has been bitten by the funnel-web spider, they need to be immediately taken to the hospital. Antivenom is usually given to people showing major symptoms. Those with mild to no symptoms at all are not given antivenom. Funnel web spiders are a notorious species of spider. Although they do not readily attack a human at first chance, they will bite if they feel threatened or provoked. Therefore it is advisable to follow precautionary measures, to avoid getting bitten by this spider. The funnel-web spider can be found on the Eastern Coast of Australia.If you enjoy reading this article, be sure to read about Sydney Opera House Facts and Robert Irwin Australia zoo facts.Venom Of Sydney Funnel Web SpiderThe Sydney funnel-web spider is native to the regions of Eastern Australia. The Sydney funnel-web spider generally inhabits ground habitats, while some other funnel-web spiders can be tree dwellers as well. They largely feed on snails, cockroaches, and other small vertebrates. The Sydney funnel-web spider is medium to large in size and is dark brown or black in colour. A male spider of this species is smaller in size than the female, however, the male spider is known to possess longer legs than the female.Found in the regions of South Australia, these large spiders are highly toxic. An interesting fact about these venomous spiders is that the male of this funnel-web spider species contains as much as six times more venom than that of a female. Therefore, most of the spider bites are done by the male spider. The consequence of getting bitten by this funnel-web spider, especially by the male, can result in death as well. Typically, humans, monkeys, guinea pigs, and mice are the most affected by the fast-acting venom of this spider. Not all species of male spiders carry venom, it is usually females in the species that hold the most venom toxicity. Other spiders that can be found in the regions of Australia like mouse spiders, or the trapdoor spiders and black house spiders are often confused with the funnel-web spider. Although at a first glance, they may indeed look similar, these other species of spider do not possess such strong venom as the Sydney funnel-web spider. The atracotoxin found in the venom of the Sydney funnel-web spider targets the nervous system and ultimately results in death. There have been 13 deaths between the years 1927-1981 caused by the male Sydney funnel-web spider. Subsequently, in 1981, an anti-venom was developed.Safety MeasuresSydney funnel-web spiders can be found across the regions of Sydney, extending up to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. They belong to the group of Australian funnel-web spiders. These funnel weavers are called so because they build their web in the shape of a funnel. The funnel webs are built in moist soil or trees and are made with threads of silk. The silk threads of the funnel webs also act as trip lines to protect themselves from predators. This dangerous species of spider is nocturnal and prefers to move alone. They have a hard time living in regions of cold weather and prefers warmer place to live in. Females rarely leave their burrow and only come out to hunt down on nearby prey. They do not readily attack a human at the first chance. However, if they feel threatened, they may display aggressive behaviour and attack a human as well.Since they can be found in rotting logs or rocks, males sometimes can wander into the garden of humans as well. To avoid getting bitten by these funnel-web spiders, you must always keep your garden clean and tidy, so that the funnel-web spiders do not find any place to inhabit. Another safety measure can be to wear long sleeves or gloves while working in the garden to prevent getting bitten. You can pour hot boiling water inside the burrows to get the funnel web out of its hole. However, while doing so, be sure to wear gloves. If a person gets bitten by these funnel-web spiders, they should immediately be rushed to the hospital. Although an anti-venom has already been discovered, it is essential to immediately take the injured person to the hospital and seek the necessary medical treatment.Medical Usage: Antidote MakingBelonging to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Sydney funnel-web spiders have a shiny carapace and have noticeably large fangs. The fangs of these funnel-web spiders are larger in size than that those possessed by a brown snake. They are extremely sharp and can induce extreme pain in a human being. The fangs point downwards and can even pierce through shoe leather. That is how strong they are. Funnel-web spiders are generally blue-black or brown in colour. These spiders live in moist sand and clay. Females mostly spend the majority of their day inside the burrows where they lay egg sacs containing as many as 100 eggs after mating. The egg sac is covered with a silk web to protect them. Furthermore, the funnel-shaped webs that they build have silk trip wires meant for catching their prey. After any potent prey has come in contact with the web, the funnel-web spider rushes out to hunt down on the prey with their venom.The antidote to the venom of these South Wales venomous spiders was developed in the year 1981. The medication given depends on the severity of the effect of the venom of the funnel-web spider on humans. If a person shows mild to no symptoms at all, then the medication is usually not given. This is because it sometimes causes various uncomfortable and painful reactions.Characteristics Of Sydney Funnel-Web SpiderThe body length of this vicious spider ranges from 0.5-2 in (1-5 cm). They are part of the Australian funnel-web spider fauna. Ranging from dark brown to blue-black in colour, the Sydney funnel-web spiders can be found in the regions of Sydney, extending up to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales as well. The Sydney funnel-web spiders are considered the second most venomous spiders in the world. The fangs of these spiders are very large and strong and can induce great pain to a human being if bitten. An interesting fact about these funnel-web spiders is that they are known to repeatedly strike a human with their fangs, by maintaining a strong grip.They derive their unique name from the funnel-shaped webs that they built. The funnel webs are lined with silk threads that are white in colour. Males of this species usually carry the most toxic venom, which is six times more than that of females. Most of the deaths that have been caused by the venom of this spider are caused by males. Females usually stay within their burrows and rarely leave, unless to feed on their prey. The males are in fact the most active. They mainly come out during the night and spend the day hiding in protected areas.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! 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The Sydney funnel-web spider is a species of venomous spider.
