'Copious amounts of venom!' Warning issued as new 'big boy' funnel-web spider that can kill in 15 minutes discovered
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A new species of funnel-web spider, nearly twice the size of its closest cousin and capable of delivering "copious amounts of venom", has been discovered by Australian scientists.
Dubbed the 'Big Boy', the deadly arachnid can grow up to 9cm in length and possesses longer fangs than the common Sydney funnel-web spider.
The newly classified species, officially named Atrax christenseni, was discovered near Newcastle, about 170km north of Sydney, and has been confirmed as one of the world's most venomous spiders.
Scientists say its larger venom glands and extended fangs could potentially penetrate protective gloves, and, like its Sydney cousin, can kill in 15 minutes if an antivenom is not applied.
Spider expert Kane Christensen first spotted the spider back in 2018
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Spider expert Kane Christensen first spotted several of these remarkable arachnids in 2018 whilst working at the Australian Reptile Park.
After notifying the Australian Museum in Sydney, scientists confirmed it was indeed a new species, which they named in Christensen's honour.
"It's unbelievable. To have a spider that I'm so passionate about named after me is just a dream come true. It's super exciting," Christensen told 9News.
The spider can grow up to 4.5cm in body length, with significantly larger venom glands than regular funnel-webs found in Sydney. Christensen added: "The sheer size of it for a male of that species was just... astronomical."
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Experts said the spider could be found wandering in a garage or bedroom
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Through extensive DNA analysis, scientists have confirmed three distinct species of funnel-web spiders exist in the region.
Alongside the newly discovered Newcastle funnel-web, researchers identified the 'classic' Sydney funnel-web (Atrax robustus) and the Southern Sydney funnel-web (Atrax montanus).
The Newcastle species has been traced to within 25km of the Newcastle area and is unlikely to venture south to Sydney. Professor Kristofer Helgen, director of the Australian Museum Research Institute, called it "an amazing moment in spider biology".
DNA testing revealed the Newcastle funnel-web last shared a common ancestor with the Sydney species 17 million years ago. Despite its potent venom, experts have confirmed that existing antivenom remains effective against the new species.
Kane Christensen called the discovery 'unbelievable'
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No deaths from funnel-web spider bites have been recorded in Australia since antivenom was developed in the 1980s.
However, Christensen issued a warning about those who come into close contact with the spider.
"I would not recommend touching them that's for sure, they do give copious amounts of venom," he warned.
Professor Geoff Isbister, director of Clinical Toxicology at Newcastle's Calvary Mater Hospital, also noted that the spider's larger size could mean more venom per bite. The antivenom is "very effective as long as it's given very soon after the bite, in an hour or two," he explained.
The Newcastle funnel-web spiders are most commonly found in garages, bedrooms and other areas of homes where they may wander in during nighttime hours. Males are particularly active between November and April when they search for mates after dark.
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