Australian scientists have discovered a new species of the deadly web spider that is larger and more poisonous than its relatives, nicknamed “Big Boy”.
In research Published on Monday, scientists from the Australian Museum, Flinders University and Germany's Leibniz Institute discovered that there are three species of funnel web spiders in Sydney instead of one. Scientists have named the 3.54-inch-long species Atrax christenseni, nicknamed “Big Boy.” Sydney funnel web spiders, by contrast, can grow up to almost 2 inches.
“Our research uncovered hidden diversity among funnel web spiders,” said lead researcher Stephanie Loria in a report. “The Newcastle funnel web, Atrax christenseni – 'Big Boy' is a completely new species.
The dark, shiny and large spiders are considered among the most dangerous spiders for humans. Current antivenom is already effective against a wide variety of funnel web spider bites, including the newly discovered “Big Boy”.
Only male Sydney funnel web spiders have adult-killing venom, and 13 deaths were attributed to the common Sydney funnel web spider between 1927 and the early 1980s. There have been no deaths since the antivenom was introduced in the 1980s.
In 2024, a funnel web spider in Sydney found in Australia set a record as the largest spider at the Australian Reptile Park. It measured 3.1 inches from foot to foot, surpassing the previous park record holder from 2018.
