Strong and attractive, or Sydney funnel spider, is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. It is famous for its aggressiveness, strong fangs, and powerful neurotoxic venom that can kill a person in a matter of hours.
This spider belongs to the family Hexathelidae and is found mainly in the humid regions of Sydney and its environs. Its venom is particularly dangerous to primates, including humans, while other animals (such as dogs and cats) are usually not seriously affected.
📌 Why is Atrax robustus so unique?
✔ Owns the most powerful venom among Australian spiders
✔ Aggressive and quick to attack in case of a threat
✔ He The poison can kill a person in 15 minutes. without treatment
✔ Strong chelicerae (fangs) easily bite through human skin
Let's delve deeper into the world of this dangerous but fascinating spider!
Scientific classification
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Arthropods (Arthropoda)
✔ Class: Arachnids (Arachnida)
✔ Row: Pavuk (Araneae)
✔ Family: Hexathelidae
✔ Gender: Atrax
✔ View: Strong and attractive
📌 This species was described in 1877 by Australian scientist William Rainbow.
Appearance
🕷 What does Atrax robustus look like?
✔ Body size:
• Males: 2.5–3.5 cm
• Females: 3-5 cm
✔ Paw span: up to 7 cm
✔ Colour: shiny black or dark brown
✔ Body type:
• Head and abdomen covered with tough chitin
• Paws are short but very strong
✔ Special features:
• Long and powerful chelicerae (fangs) capable of biting through a human fingernail
• Dense covering of fine hairs
📌 Males are smaller and thinner, but their venom is more dangerous than that of females.
Distribution area and habitat
🌍 Where does the Sydney funnel spider live?
✔ Common in eastern Australia
✔ Found in Sydney and its suburbs
✔ Prefers moist and shaded places:
• Forests and parks
• Vegetable gardens, yards and garages
• Cracks in the ground and under rocks
• Wet basements and pipes
📌 This spider often enters human homes, especially in the summer.
Lifestyle and behavior
🌿 How does Atrax robustus behave?
✔ Leads a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle
✔ Builds characteristic funnel-shaped burrows from spider webs
✔ Hunts from ambush and instantly attacks the victim
✔ Males become especially active during the mating season (summer and autumn)
✔ Aggressive – in case of danger, it does not run away, but attacks!
📌 This spider is not afraid of humans and can bite multiple times during an attack.
Features of the web
🕸 How does the Sydney funnel spider use its web?
✔ Builds funnel-shaped webs in shelters
✔ The web is very sticky and strong.
✔ Sensitive to the slightest vibrations - the spider immediately pounces on its prey
📌 Unlike many other spiders, this species does not weave fishing nets, but uses its web as a motion sensor.
Food
🍽 What does Atrax robustus eat?
✔ Insects (cockroaches, crickets, butterflies, beetles)
✔ Small spiders and scorpions
✔ Can catch small lizards and frogs
📌 The spider attacks its victim with lightning speed and instantly injects venom.
Reproduction
❤️ How does the Sydney funnel spider reproduce?
✔ Males seek females in autumn and winter.
✔ After mating, the female sometimes eats the male.
✔ One female lays up to 100 eggs.
✔ Young spiders emerge after 3 weeks and spread rapidly.
📌 Females can live up to 20 years, males only 1-2 years.
Poison and danger to humans
🚨 Is the bite dangerous?
✔ Yes, the bite is deadly without treatment!
✔ The venom contains a powerful neurotoxin that affects the nervous system.
✔ Bite Symptoms:
• Sharp burning pain
• Increased salivation
• Rapid heartbeat and muscle spasms
• In severe cases – paralysis and death
📌 The poison acts faster on humans than on other mammals.
What should I do if I get bitten?
1. Immediately immobilize the affected limb (apply a pressure bandage, as in the case of a snakebite)
2. See a doctor as soon as possible.
3. Get the antidote (invented in 1981)
📌 Before the creation of the serum, this spider caused 13 confirmed deaths.
Interesting facts
💡 The Sydney funnel spider has the longest fangs of all spiders in Australia!
💡 Its venom is 6 times stronger than cobra venom!
💡 Can survive underwater for up to 24 hours!
How to avoid meeting a spider?
🛑 To avoid contact with Atrax robustus:
✔ Do not leave shoes and clothes outside
✔ Check basements and garages
✔ Seal cracks in the house
📌 If you find a spider, don't touch it, but call the experts!
Conclusion
🕷 Atrax robustus is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world.
🚨 Its bite is fatal without treatment, but the antidote has saved hundreds of lives.
🌿 It plays an important role in nature by controlling insect populations.
📌 Be careful and this deadly spider won't be your problem!
