How dangerous is the Sydney funnel-web spider?
The Sydney funnel-web spider is one of the world's most dangerous spiders, but no one has died from a confirmed bite since antivenom was introduced in 1981. Prompt first aid and treatment are vital.
Sydney funnel-webs are glossy black spiders with large fangs, found within about 100 kilometres of Sydney. They live in burrows lined with silk in moist, sheltered places such as under rocks and logs.
The males are the most dangerous. In summer and autumn, they leave their burrows to search for females and may wander into homes, shoes or swimming pools. Their venom contains a toxin that is especially harmful to primates, including humans.
Antivenom success
Antivenom was developed by a team led by Struan Sutherland at the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories. Before 1981, funnel-web bites caused 13 recorded deaths.
Venom for antivenom comes from spiders caught by the public and handed in to the Australian Reptile Park.
If bitten, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, keep the person still and call an ambulance on triple zero. Wearing gloves while gardening and shaking out shoes left outside can reduce the risk of bites. Funnel-webs are a different group from the more common trapdoor and mouse spiders, which are sometimes confused with them.
Did You Know?
Funnel-web spiders can survive for many hours underwater by trapping air bubbles around their bodies.