The Australian funnel spider may not be as familiar a name as black widow or tarantula, but it is the deadliest spider in the world, and its poison can kill humans. Now, this species is becoming even more frightening, after researchers in the country discovered the largest male funnel spider ever discovered, also crowning it the largest venomous spider in history. We used Claude and Forefront to learn about the new arachnophobic nightmare.
The hairy spider was given the name "Hercules" – which can be a bit confusing, because Hercules is also the name of a giant species of baboon spiders (similar to tarantulas) discovered in Africa 100 years ago (although it is estimated to have become extinct since then), but the African spider reached a size of 20 cm, while the length of the new Hercules, from the tip of the front leg to the back tip, is 7.9 cm, Which is about the diameter of an Olympic gold medal. This compares with a standard size of 1-5 cm for most male spiders of this species, and up to 7.5 cm for females. It was discovered 80km north of Sydney by surprised locals.
Male Australian funnel spiders contain one of several venoms deadly enough to kill humans within just 15 minutes of being bitten. Their toxic saliva can cause body cramps, convulsions, paralysis and cardiac arrest almost instantaneously. Fortunately, there have been no deaths related to the bite of this species since 1981, when a cure for its venom was introduced as part of the Australian Reptile Park's program to develop antidotes to bite the (too) large variety of venomous animals on the continent.
Due to the fact that male Australian funnel spiders leave their dens each summer to look for mates, there is an increased likelihood of human encounters with spiders like Hercules this season, raising obvious concerns. Spider experts are urging the public to hand over venomous spiders to the Australian park to milk the venom so that a cache of antibodies can be produced.
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