Scientists have officially classified a new species of funnel-web spider, which is alarger and more venomous than its infamous Sydney counterpart. The spider, now named Atrax christenseni in honor of Australian spider expert Kane Christensen, boasts longer fangs, larger venom glands, and a more intimidating presence than previously known species.
Mr. Christensen, a former head of spiders at the Australian Reptile Park, first spotted the fearsome arachnid near Newcastle, about 170 km (105 miles) north of Sydney, in the early 2000s. Now, researchers from the Australian Museum, Flinders University, and Germany's Leibniz Institute have confirmed its status as a distinct species.
Nicknamed 'big boy', it can grow up to 9cm (3.54 inches) compared with 5cm (1.97 inches) for the more common Sydney funnel-web.
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How dangerous is 'Big Boy'?
Sydney funnel-web spiders are already infamous for their fast-acting and highly toxic venom, and male specimens are particularly deadly. However, experts assure that the same anti-venom used for Sydney funnel-web bites is effective against this new species.
Christensen strongly warns against any close encounters. "Sometimes you might find them in a garage or in a bedroom or somewhere in the house where they might have wandered in during the night," he explained. "I would not recommend touching them, that's for sure. They do give copious amounts of venom."
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How dangerous are funnel-web spiders?
Eastern Australia is the only place where funnel-web spiders thrive, within an area of approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Sydney. They have their peak movement during November and April when they come out in the night time to find the females.
A total of 13 deaths in Australia have been associated with the funnel-web spiders, but after the development of an anti-venom in 1981, no single death has ever been reported in Australia.
With the official classification of Atrax christenseni, researchers continue to study its behaviour, habitat, and potential impact—while warning Australiansto stay cautious if they ever come across this formidable ‘big boy’ in the wild.
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