Australian scientists have identified a new species of funnel-web spider, larger and more venomous than the common Sydney funnel-web. The spider, nicknamed 'big boy', was discovered by spider expert Kane Christensen and has been officially named Atrax christenseni.
Australian scientists have confirmed the existence of a larger and more venomous species of one of the world's deadliest spiders. Nicknamed 'big boy', this newly recognized species can grow up to 9cm (3.54 inches) in length, significantly larger than the more common Sydney funnel-web spider, which typically reaches 5cm (1.97 inches). According to spider expert Kane Christensen, 'This particular spider is a lot larger; its venom glands are a lot larger, and its fangs are a lot longer.
' Sydney funnel-webs are infamous for their fast-acting and highly toxic venom. However, the good news is that the existing anti-venom is effective against bites from this new species. Christensen first discovered 'big boy' in the early 2000s near Newcastle, 105 miles (170km) north of Sydney, and it has been officially named Atrax christenseni in his honor. 'Sometimes you might find them in a garage or in a bedroom or somewhere in the house where they might have wandered in during the night,' said Christensen, the former head of spiders at the Australian Reptile Park. 'I would not recommend touching them that's for sure, they do give copious amounts of venom.' Scientists from the Australian Museum, Flinders University, and Germany's Leibniz Institute confirmed on Monday that 'big boy' would be classified as a separate species of funnel-web. Sydney funnel-webs are found in eastern Australia, within approximately 100 miles (160km) of the city, and are most active from November to April. During this period, the more deadly male spiders venture out at night in search of mates. Thirteen deaths linked to funnel-web spiders have been recorded, according to the Australian Museum, but none since the development of anti-venom in 1981
SPIDER VENOM AUSTRALIA NEW SPECIES FUNNEL-WEB
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