Are you also a little afraid of spiders? Then this is going to talk about one of the most dangerous and venomous spider species in the world. We call this spider the Funnel Web Spider. Although we don't get to see them naturally in Sri Lanka, it is very important for your safety to be aware of this spider, especially if you are traveling, working, or studying in a country like Australia. So let's see what are the facts you need to know about this dangerous animal.
Who is this Funnel Web Spider?
Simply put, Funnel Web Spiders are a group of spider species. They get their name from the shape of the web they build. That is, this spider's web is shaped like a funnel.
There are over 40 species of Funnel Web Spiders in the world. They can be a little difficult to identify, as they look similar to several other spider species. They are generally medium to large in size. They come in various shades of black or dark brown. They can be about 5 to 10 centimeters long, including their legs. Scientifically, they are classified into two genera: `(Atrax)` and `(Hadronyche)`.
These spiders are no joke. Experts agree that they are the most dangerous spiders in the world.
The main reason for this is their extremely powerful fangs. Just imagine, these fangs can pierce through the sole of your shoe, or even your fingernail or toenail. Although both male and female spiders are venomous, research has found that the venom of male spiders is five times more dangerous than that of females .
Where do these spiders live?
There are many species of Funnel Web spiders, and they live in many parts of the world. About 30 species can be found in eastern Australia and Tasmania, especially around Sydney. This is why the most famous Funnel Web spider in the world is the Sydney Funnel Web Spider. The male of this species is the most dangerous spider in all of Australia.
In addition to Australia, they are also found in New Zealand, parts of Europe, and Chile. Some people also keep them as ornamental animals.
They live mostly in burrows dug close to the ground. Specifically, under rocks, under tree trunks, or inside decaying logs. Sometimes they live above ground, in ferns or tree trunks. They build a funnel-shaped web of silk threads at the entrance to their burrow. The burrow is lined with silk, forming a tunnel about 30 centimeters long. The spider waits patiently at the end of this tunnel until a prey is caught in the web.
What is their life cycle and behavior like?
Like other spiders, they reproduce by laying eggs. During mating, the male communicates by stroking the female's web in a special way. If the female is interested, the male will accept the web. After mating, the female lays between 100 and 200 eggs in an egg sac, which is safely suspended in the web.
The eggs hatch into tiny spiderlings in about a month. Although they are small, they look like adult spiders. As they grow, they shed their skin. After a while, these young begin to build their own webs and live. Although lifespans vary depending on the species, most Funnel Web spiders live for about a year.
How do they hunt?
Their hunting method is also very unique.
Imagine, their web is not sticky like that of other spiders. Instead, when prey (such as flying insects, beetles, and cockroaches) passes over the web, they get tangled in the silk threads, slowing their progress. It's like someone getting tripped up. Taking advantage of that opportunity, the spider immediately jumps out of its burrow, bites the prey, and injects its deadly venom into its body.
They usually don't leave their webs, but they do leave them only if they are disturbed. Male Sydney Funnel Web spiders, in particular, come out at night after it rains. This is when they are most likely to enter homes.
What if a spider bites you? Safety and first aid
This is the most important part. If you are in an area where Funnel Web spiders are likely to be present, be sure to wear thick-soled shoes . If you are mowing the lawn or gardening, wear thick socks . Be very careful when working near rocks, logs, etc.
Spider bites are not uncommon, as they only attack if they feel threatened. However, if a bite does occur, it can be fatal. For example, a Sydney Funnel Web spider bite can be fatal if not treated within 15 minutes.
Symptoms of spider venom ingestion
A bite from a Funnel Web spider is very painful. Symptoms can appear all over the body. Let's see what they are.
| Affected system/location | Symptoms that may arise |
|---|---|
| Nervous system | Numbness of the lips, double vision (seeing two things), confusion, restlessness, tremors |
| Heart and blood circulation | Rapid heartbeat, unconsciousness due to shock |
| Breathing and swallowing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation |
| Digestive system | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (upset stomach) |
| Skin and general characteristics | Redness at the bite site, excessive sweating, chills, joint pain |
What to do: Correct first aid
If there is even the slightest suspicion of a Funnel Web spider bite, consider it a medical emergency and act immediately.
1. Stay calm: Don't panic, keep the patient calm. The more the body moves, the faster the poison can spread.
2. Go to a hospital immediately: Take the patient to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) as soon as possible.
3. Apply Pressure Immobilisation: Just like you would for a snake bite, wrap a bandage tightly above and below the bite site. This will help control the spread of venom through the lymphatic system.
4. Immobilize the affected arm/leg: After applying the bandage, place something like a wooden splint and bandage the arm or leg again so that it does not move (splint).
5. Do not remove the bandage until you get to the hospital.
6. For information: If you have any doubts or require further information, you can call the National Poison Information Centre located at the Colombo National Hospital and seek advice.
Important: Never cut the bite wound, try to suck out the venom, or apply anything to the wound. This can make the condition worse. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Take-Home Message
- The Funnel Web Spider is one of the most venomous and dangerous spiders in the world. The male Sydney Funnel Web spider is particularly dangerous.
- If you are traveling to countries like Australia, it is essential to be aware of the areas where these are found and the safety measures.
- A bite from this type of spider is a medical emergency. Do not take it lightly. You should immediately go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- Applying pressure bandages (pressure immobilization) and immobilizing the affected arm/leg is the correct first aid method, as in the case of a snake bite.
- In any case of doubt, seek advice from your doctor.
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