A new species of funnel-web spider, nicknamed 'Big Boy', has been discovered in Australia. DNA analysis revealed that this large spider, growing up to 9cm, is distinct enough from other funnel-web species to be classified as a new species, Atrax christenseni. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in antivenom production as 'Big Boy' is considered the most venomous of the three funnel-spider variations.
A new species of funnel-web spider, nicknamed 'Big Boy' , has been officially discovered in Australia , immediately establishing itself as one of the world's deadliest arachnids. The Sydney funnel-back spider has long held the title of world's most venomous spider, responsible for at least 13 recorded deaths. Symptoms of a funnel-back bite can include intense pain, muscle spasms, sweating, difficulty breathing, and even death if left untreated.
Funnel-back spiders exhibit a range of shapes and sizes, with various variations observed throughout Sydney and its surrounding suburbs.However, according to new research published in BMC Ecology and Evolution, the largest of these spiders, the aforementioned 'Big Boy', are distinct enough from other funnel-backs to be classified as a separate species. Using DNA analysis, researchers revealed that what was previously thought to be a single species of spider is actually three distinct species: the 'classic' Sydney funnel-web, the Southern Sydney funnel-web (Atrax montanus), and the newly identified Newcastle funnel-web (Atrax christenseni). The previous two species were already known to scientists, but the Newcastle variant, which can grow up to 9cm in size, possesses distinct characteristics warranting reclassification. 'This particular spider is significantly larger, its venom glands are considerably larger, and its fangs are much longer,' explained spider expert Kane Christensen, the former head of spiders at the Australian Reptile Park. Mr. Christensen, who first discovered the species in the early 2000s and had the Atrax christenseni named after him, added, 'Sometimes you might find them in a garage or bedroom, potentially wandering in during the night. It's not advisable to touch them, that's for sure, as they inject copious amounts of venom.' The 'Big Boy' is considered the most venomous of the three funnel-spider variations, and its discovery could lead to breakthroughs in antivenom production. The new species is already recognized as one of the deadliest in the world. 'Since 1981, the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby, NSW, has operated a Venom Milking Program to collect venom from Sydney funnel-web spiders for antivenom production,' said Danilo Harms, an arachnologist at the LIB, in a statement. 'Although no human fatalities have occurred since the development of antivenom in the 1980s, the antivenom for Sydney funnel-web spiders could be optimized by considering biological differentiation at the species level.' Mr. Christensen added, 'Atrax christenseni is a superb and impressive funnel-web. The sheer size of the males, compared to the males of the other Atrax species, is simply astounding. I am deeply passionate about funnel-webs, and there is no greater compliment than to have another scientist name a funnel-web species after me. I am deeply honored and accept it with great pleasure.'
Funnel Web Spider Australia New Species 'Big Boy' Atrax Christenseni Venom Antivenom Discovery
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