Monster Monday: The Funnel-Web Spider
Monday, August 1st, 2016August 1, 2016
Most spiders use venom to injure or kill prey. But some spiders’ venomous bites are worse than others. Take for instance Australia’s dangerous funnel-web spider. There are at least 40 different species of this nocturnal (active at night) creeper, the most deadly of which is the Sydney funnel-web spider. This spider’s potent venom has killed at least 13 people.
The Sydney funnel-web spider measures up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length and has a shiny, black carapace (hard body covering). It lives in the forests of eastern Australia, where it burrows in moist, cool crevices under rocks or logs. There, it spins a funnel-shaped web and hides inside of it, waiting for prey to come near. Small creatures such as beetles, snails, tree frogs, and especially millipedes are the favorite victims of funnel-web spiders. Silky strands extend out from the entrance of the funnel, acting as tripwires. When a passing creature touches these threads, vibrations reach the spider, which then lunges out of its hiding spot and quickly bites its prey, injecting venom multiple times before dragging its meal back into the funnel.
The city of Sydney is located in the middle of this spider’s natural range, so the Sydney funnel-web spider also makes its home in garden nooks and under houses. People living near the spiders must beware, for these arachnids move quickly and are very aggressive. When threatened, a funnel-web spider will rear up onto its hind legs, a drop of venom dangling from each large fang, and then quickly strike. This bite is not particularly harmful to dogs, cats, and many other animals. In humans, however, it severely affects the nervous system, causing heart or lung failure and, without speedy treatment, death. Fortunately, an anti-venom treatment was introduced in 1981. Since then, there have been no known human deaths from the bite of one of these small but menacing beasts.