One of the most common fears humans have is the fear of spiders. They can be scary, intimidating creatures but they all have an important job in Earth’s ecosystem whether we like them or not. While most spiders are harmless, there are several that will do a real number on humans if bitten, especially from the Sydney funnel web spider in Australia.
A new, larger, species of spider related to the funnel web spider has been discovered just north of Sydney, Australia that has been nicknamed “big boy” due to its size and volume of venom.
(Photo by Reuters)
This spider can grow to almost four inches, which is over an inch larger than its Sydney funnel spider cousin. These spiders can be found in common places like garages, basements, and homes and is often black in colour with vicious looking fangs and large venom glands. The spider is very poisonous to humans, but luckily the anti-venom from the funnel web spider will work to treat bites providing victims get to the hospital in time.
The spider is named Atrax christensani after the man who discovered the creature, Kane Christensen who just happened to be the former head of spiders at a reptile park in Australia.
Despite Sydney funnel web spiders being incredibly lethal, nobody has died from a bite since the creation of anti-venom in 1981. However, prior to the development of this life-saving medicine, at least 13 deaths were attributed to their bites.
If you’ve ever asked yourself on a cold winter day “why do I live in Saskatchewan,” this is an example of why life here is not bad since we don’t have nearly four inch venomous spiders or angry, vicious poisonous snakes.
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