Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: Body length varies from 10mm to 50mm. Females are generally larger and more heavy-bodied, reaching up to 50mm, while males are smaller and more slender, typically up to 25mm.
Coloration: The cephalothorax (front part of the body) is hairless, smooth, and a glossy, deep blue-black or black. The abdomen is darker brown or black and is covered in fine, velvety hairs.
Key Features: Key features include the glossy black carapace, a pair of large, prominent spinnerets at the rear of the abdomen, and the powerful, downward-striking fangs. The male's leg spur is also a definitive identifier.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: Females typically produce one egg sac per year.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
After mating in the warmer months, the female produces a pillow-shaped, white silk egg sac containing around 80-250 eggs. She secures this within her burrow and will defend it aggressively.
Larval Stage
Spiderlings hatch from the eggs but remain within the safety of the egg sac for their first molt. They emerge as second-instar spiderlings.
Pupal Stage
Spiders do not have a pupal stage.
Adult Stage
Females can live for a very long time, possibly up to 20 years, and remain in or near their burrows. Males reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years, after which they leave their burrows to wander in search of mates. Males typically die 6-9 months after maturing.
Reproduction Rate
Females typically produce one egg sac per year.
Generations Per Year
Far less than one generation per year, with a multi-year maturation period.
Development Time
The time from egg to mature adult can take from two to four years, depending on factors like temperature and food availability.
Seasonal Cycle
Mating occurs in spring and summer. Males become active and wander during the warmer, more humid months, from late spring to autumn (November to April), especially after rainfall. This is the peak season for human encounters.
Environmental Factors
High humidity is essential for survival. Heavy rainfall often floods burrows, forcing spiders (especially males) to the surface and stimulating wandering behaviour. They are restricted to the specific climate of the Sydney basin.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Moist, sheltered areas in forests, woodlands, and heath.
- Under rocks, logs, and leaf litter.
- In rockeries, thick shrubs, and retaining walls in suburban gardens.
- Burrows are often found in shaded, humid gullies.
- Any cool, damp location, including sub-floor voids and compost heaps.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
New South Wales only.
Climate Zones
- Temperate
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Found in both natural bushland and urban areas within its range, making it a significant suburban pest.
Native Range
Endemic to Australia, with a highly restricted range.
Introduced Range
Not an introduced species. There are no known populations outside its native range.
Introduction History
Not applicable.
Current Spread
The distribution is considered stable and is geographically locked to the Sydney basin, roughly within a 100-160 km radius of Sydney.
Limiting Factors
Its distribution is strictly limited by climatic factors, particularly the need for high humidity, and the specific Hawkesbury Sandstone geology of the region.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Strictly nocturnal to avoid dehydration and predators. They hunt from the burrow entrance at night. Wandering males can be active day or night, especially in overcast or wet weather.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
A classic ambush predator, relying on surprise and overwhelming power.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- None. The sole health risk is severe envenomation.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
No known allergens. Secondary infection of the bite wound is a possibility.
Contamination Risk
Zero risk of food or surface contamination.
Vulnerable Populations
- Everyone within its geographic range is at risk.
- Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller body mass.
- People working outdoors (gardeners, landscapers) have a higher risk of encounter.
- Residents with gardens, swimming pools, and ground-level homes.
- Pets, especially dogs, are also highly susceptible.
Symptoms of Exposure
- Rapid onset of severe symptoms within minutes.
- Intense pain at the bite site with visible fang marks.
- Tingling around the mouth, muscle twitching, and profuse sweating.
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Confusion, dangerously high blood pressure, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), leading to respiratory failure.
Transmission Methods
- Envenomation occurs through a bite from the spider's powerful fangs.
Risk Severity
Extreme. A bite from a male Sydney Funnel-web is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$250-$600 for a thorough inspection and chemical barrier treatment of a property.
Prevention Costs
$100-$200 annually for property maintenance, screen repairs, and exclusion measures.
Diy Treatment
$40-$100 for surface sprays, which are largely inadequate and not recommended for this spider.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None.
Garden Damage
None, aside from small burrows.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
Low risk, but a sighting could cause panic and closure for treatment.
Retail Impact
Low risk, but similar reputational damage if found in a public area.
Reputation Damage
Significant for any business if a customer is bitten on-site. Real estate values can be perceived to be lower in known hotspot areas.
Operational Disruption
A confirmed sighting will almost certainly lead to a temporary shutdown for professional pest control intervention.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
They are effective predators of insects, but this benefit is overwhelmingly negated by the medical risk they pose.
Economic Loss
Losses are primarily from healthcare costs, pest control expenditure, and potential loss of productivity or business revenue.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
Extremely high. A bite requires immediate emergency response, ambulance transport, hospital admission, and administration of multiple vials of expensive antivenom.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
None, but there may be costs associated with making a property safe after an incident.
Preventive Maintenance
Ongoing costs for professional pest control, landscaping, and property maintenance in the Sydney area.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- Finding a wandering male inside the house, garage, or in a swimming pool.
- Sighting a large, black spider in a defensive pose.
- The most definitive sign is locating the burrow with its characteristic silk trip-lines.
- Finding them in shoes or clothing left outside.
- Seeing one active at night with a torch.
Physical Evidence
- The web itself: a silk-lined burrow entrance, often with a funnel shape.
- Irregular, radiating silk 'trip-lines' on the ground around the burrow entrance.
- Shed exoskeletons near a burrow (rarely seen).
- Disturbed soil or leaf litter around a hole under a rock or log.
- Remains of prey (insect husks) near the burrow entrance.
Behavioral Signs
- A large, black spider showing extreme aggression when approached.
- Active wandering, especially by males after rain in the warmer months.
- Sudden darting movements from a burrow entrance at night.
- The classic rearing-up threat display.
- Any large dark spider moving on the bottom of a swimming pool.
Seasonal Indicators
- A sharp increase in sightings from November to April.
- Males found indoors are most common in summer and autumn.
- Activity peaks after summer thunderstorms.
- Finding spiders in pools is a common summer phenomenon.
- Females may be seen at burrow entrances on humid nights.
Early Warning Signals
- Discovering a single burrow in the garden.
- Noticing the tell-tale silk trip-lines under a rock or log.
- A neighbour reporting a sighting can indicate a local population.
- An 'infestation' refers to one or more burrows on a property; they are not colonial.
- Any early sign requires extreme caution and professional assessment.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Clear away all ground debris: fallen logs, piles of bricks, timber, and leaf litter.
- Keep compost bins and firewood piles elevated and away from the house.
- Ensure the yard is free of general clutter.
- Regularly check and clean outdoor equipment and furniture.
- There are no specific food sanitation measures, as they hunt live prey.
Exclusion Methods
- Seal all cracks and holes in foundations and walls.
- Fit solid, tight-fitting screens on all windows and doors.
- Use weather strips and door seals on all external doors.
- Install fine mesh over weep holes and vents.
- Ensure plumbing and utility entry points are properly sealed.
Landscaping Tips
- Maintain a clear zone of at least 30cm around the house foundation, free of mulch and vegetation.
- Avoid using rockeries and dense ground-covering plants near the house.
- Keep lawns mowed to reduce sheltering spots and improve visibility.
- Improve drainage to reduce the damp conditions they prefer.
- Always wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and sturdy footwear when gardening or landscaping.
Monitoring Strategies
- Regularly inspect potential habitats like rock walls, garden beds, and under logs.
- Check inside shoes, boots, and clothing that have been left outside before wearing.
- Inspect swimming pool skimmer boxes and filters daily during summer.
- Use a torch at night to scan the garden for any activity.
- An annual inspection by a pest professional is highly recommended in the Sydney area.
Environmental Modification
- Reduce humidity around the house by fixing leaking taps and improving sub-floor ventilation.
- Direct sprinkler systems away from the house foundation.
- Increase sunlight exposure in garden areas to dry out the soil.
- Removing their preferred habitats (rocks, logs) is the most effective modification.
- Alter the landscape to be open and dry rather than sheltered and moist.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Application of a liquid insecticidal barrier around the home's perimeter, foundation, garden beds, and other potential habitats. Dusting of sub-floor voids and roof cavities is also common.
Biological Control
There are no commercially available biological controls for funnel-web spiders.
Physical Control
Not recommended. Attempting to physically remove or kill a funnel-web is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by homeowners.
Integrated Approach
The only safe and effective approach. This combines professional chemical treatment with rigorous habitat modification, exclusion, and ongoing vigilance by the homeowner.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
None are effective or proven. Do not rely on any DIY remedy for a spider this dangerous.
Home Made Traps
While a wet cloth in a jar might trap a wandering male, it's a risky method and doesn't solve the underlying problem. Not recommended.
Deterrent Methods
No known deterrents exist.
Mechanical Control
Avoid. Attempting to crush the spider can lead to a bite if you miss or are too close. The risk is not worth it.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Professional treatments are highly effective at creating a 'kill zone' that will eliminate spiders crossing the barrier.
Timeframe
A quality professional treatment can last for 6 to 12 months, depending on the product used and environmental conditions.
Follow Up Required
Annual retreatments are strongly recommended as a preventative measure in the Sydney region.
Seasonal Considerations
The best time for treatment is in late spring, just before the male wandering season begins.
Application Techniques
- High-pressure surface spraying of foundations, paths, and garden edges.
- Targeted application to known harbourage areas like rockeries and retaining walls.
- Use of insecticidal dusts in enclosed spaces like wall cavities and sub-floors.
- All applications must follow strict safety protocols to ensure resident and pet safety.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
Application of a liquid insecticidal barrier around the home's perimeter, foundation, garden beds, and other potential habitats. Dusting of sub-floor voids and roof cavities is also common.
Biological Control
There are no commercially available biological controls for funnel-web spiders.
Physical Control
Not recommended. Attempting to physically remove or kill a funnel-web is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by homeowners.
Integrated Approach
The only safe and effective approach. This combines professional chemical treatment with rigorous habitat modification, exclusion, and ongoing vigilance by the homeowner.
Professional Treatment Costs
$250-$600 for a thorough inspection and chemical barrier treatment of a property.
Treatment Success Rates
Professional treatments are highly effective at creating a 'kill zone' that will eliminate spiders crossing the barrier.
Treatment Timeframe
A quality professional treatment can last for 6 to 12 months, depending on the product used and environmental conditions.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Spiders become more active as temperatures rise. Mating season begins. Some early male wandering may occur.
Summer Activity
Peak activity period. Male wandering is at its highest, especially after rain. This is the highest risk season for bites.
Autumn Activity
Male wandering continues, though it may taper off as temperatures cool. Females are tending to their egg sacs.
Winter Activity
Activity is very low. Spiders remain dormant in their burrows. Encounters are rare during winter.
Breeding Season
Primarily spring and summer.
Peak Activity Period
Risk of human-spider encounters peaks from November to April.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Warm temperatures increase activity and metabolic rates. Cold temperatures induce dormancy.
Humidity Effects
High humidity is essential. They are most active on humid or rainy nights.
Photoperiod Effects
Longer day length in summer corresponds with the peak activity and wandering season.
Weather Patterns
Summer thunderstorms are a major trigger for male wandering, as burrows can get flooded and the humid conditions are ideal for travel.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Classified as a dangerously venomous animal and a major public health pest within its range.
Control Regulations
Pesticide use is governed by the APVMA and state EPA regulations to ensure safety and environmental protection.
Professional Requirements
Only licensed pest management technicians can legally apply the necessary chemical treatments in a residential or commercial setting.
Environmental Considerations
Care must be taken to prevent pesticide runoff into drains and waterways. Treatments should be targeted to minimise harm to non-target organisms.
Compliance Requirements
- Technicians must hold a current pest management license for the state of NSW.
- All chemical applications must be documented and performed according to the product label.
- Safety warnings and re-entry periods must be communicated to the property owner.
- No special permits are required to control them on private land.
- Adherence to workplace health and safety standards is mandatory for professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Sydney Funnel-web spider so dangerous?
The Sydney Funnel-web, *Atrax robustus*, is exceptionally dangerous due to a unique combination of factors. Firstly, its venom is highly neurotoxic to primates, including humans. Specifically, the venom of the wandering male contains a potent component called delta-atracotoxin, which attacks the nervous system, causing rapid and severe symptoms like muscle spasms, high blood pressure, and fluid in the lungs. Secondly, their behaviour increases the risk of encounter. They live in suburban areas within the Sydney basin, and males wander extensively during summer, often entering homes and garages. Thirdly, they are physically formidable, with large, powerful fangs capable of piercing a fingernail, ensuring effective venom delivery. Finally, they possess an aggressive temperament. When threatened, they don't retreat but instead rear up and may strike repeatedly. This combination of potent venom, proximity to humans, powerful fangs, and aggressive nature makes it one of the world's most dangerous spiders.
How can I tell if a spider is a funnel-web?
Accurate identification is crucial. Look for a large (1-5cm), robust, dark-coloured spider. The most definitive feature is the cephalothorax (the 'head' and body section where legs attach), which is smooth, glossy, and typically blue-black or black. This contrasts with the abdomen, which is dark but covered in fine hairs. Another key feature is a pair of prominent, finger-like spinnerets at the very rear of the abdomen. Other spiders have much smaller, less obvious spinnerets. If you can get a closer look safely, their eyes are tightly clustered together on the front of their head. Behaviorally, they are ground-dwellers, often found in burrows with radiating silk trip-lines, and display extreme aggression when provoked. If you see a large, glossy black spider with long rear spinnerets in the Sydney area, treat it with extreme caution and assume it is a funnel-web.
What should I do if I find a funnel-web in my house?
Your immediate priority is safety. First, ensure all people and pets are moved away from the area. Isolate the spider by closing the door to the room it's in. Do not attempt to handle, capture, or kill the spider yourself, as this is when most bites occur. They are fast and aggressive. Once the immediate area is secure, call a licensed pest control professional immediately. They have the training, equipment, and correct products to safely manage and remove the spider and treat your property to prevent further incursions. If you are confident and have the right equipment (a large glass jar and a piece of heavy card), you can attempt to capture it for the Australian Reptile Park's antivenom program, but this carries significant risk. The safest course of action is always to isolate and call a professional.
How effective is the antivenom for a funnel-web bite?
The funnel-web spider antivenom is incredibly effective and has been a triumph of Australian medical research. Since its introduction in 1981, there have been no confirmed deaths from funnel-web envenomation. The antivenom works by binding to and neutralizing the toxins in the spider's venom, preventing them from affecting the nervous system. For it to be effective, it must be administered as quickly as possible in a hospital setting. This is why the correct first aid is so critical. The pressure-immobilisation technique (applying a pressure bandage over the bite and splinting the limb) slows the spread of venom through the lymphatic system, buying valuable time for the victim to reach the hospital and receive the life-saving antivenom. Multiple vials may be needed depending on the severity of the bite.
When and where am I most likely to encounter a funnel-web?
Encounters are most likely within the spider's limited geographical range: a 100-160 km radius around Sydney, NSW. The peak season for activity is during the warmer, humid months, typically from November through April. You are most likely to encounter a wandering male, as they leave their burrows in search of mates. These encounters often happen after periods of heavy rain or thunderstorms, which can flood their burrows and stimulate movement. Common locations include suburban gardens, especially in rockeries, under logs, or in thick vegetation. They frequently fall into swimming pools, where they can survive for hours. Indoors, they may seek shelter in shoes, clothing, or toys left on the floor. Always be cautious when gardening, cleaning up the yard, or leaving items outside overnight during the summer months in the Sydney region.
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Image Gallery
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