Identifying a funnel-web spider is crucial, especially during peak breeding seasons or wet weather when experts advise Australians to remain vigilant around their homes.
With 35 species of Australian funnel-web spiders, distinguishing them from other spiders can be pretty challenging. Although not all species are considered dangerous, the male Sydney funnel-web spider and the northern tree funnel-web spider are probably the most deadly. Since the antivenom was created, no deaths have been recorded, but it’s still important to know how to identify them, how to avoid them and what to do if bitten.
How to identify a funnel web spider
Spider expert Helen Smith from the Australian Museum told the ABC that a funnel web’s key distinguishing feature is its glossy appearance on the front of its body, particularly where its legs are attached. This glossiness sets it apart from spiders like the black house spider, which is covered in fine hairs.
Additionally, funnel webs have powerful fangs protruding from substantial bases, which further helps differentiate them from other spiders.
In short, “If it is glossy, with powerful fang bases, beware,” says Helen.
What does a funnel-web spider look like?
- Appearance: Funnel-web spiders are typically giant, robust spiders with shiny, hairless bodies. They can range from brown to black and are glossy, varying from 1 cm to 5 cm in body length.
- Legs: They have thick, muscular legs that aid their burrowing and hunting activities.
- Eyes: They possess eight small, closely grouped eyes arranged in two rows of four.
If you’re still struggling to identify a funnel-web spider, this spider identification app should be able to help.
What spiders are mistaken for funnel-webs?
- trapdoor spiders
- wishbone spiders
- mouse spiders
- black house spiders
Mouse spiders can be as dangerous as funnel web spiders; here’s how to tell them apart.
- Funnel-web spiders tend to have thicker, stronger legs compared to mouse spiders.
- Both species are burrowing spiders, but they construct different types of burrows. Funnel-web spiders create silk-lined burrows with a distinctive entrance shaped like a funnel. Mouse spiders also burrow but typically do not line their burrows with silk, and their burrow entrances may not be as distinct.
- While mouse and funnel-web spiders possess venom, the toxicity levels differ. Funnel-web spider venom, especially that of the Sydney funnel-web, is highly toxic and potentially lethal to humans. Mouse spider venom can also be potent but is generally less dangerous to humans.
- Mouse spiders are wandering hunters who do not build webs to catch prey.
Do funnel-web spiders live in houses?
While funnel-web spiders may occasionally wander indoors, they are not commonly found inside houses. If they enter a home, they may seek out dark, sheltered areas like basements, crawl spaces, or garages. However, they are more likely to be encountered outdoors, especially in areas with suitable habitat.
How to identify a funnel web hole
- Location: Funnel-web spiders prefer moist, sheltered areas, so their burrows are typically found in places like bushland, under logs or rocks, or along the edges of paths.
- Shape and size: Funnel-web burrows have a distinctive shape resembling a funnel or a tube, hence the name. The burrow’s entrance is usually circular or oval, with a diameter of 1 to 2 centimetres.
- Silk-lined funnel: Funnel-web spiders construct their burrows with silk, reinforcing the walls and creating a smooth inner surface.
- Location of the spider: Funnel-web spiders often position themselves near the entrance of their burrow, waiting for prey to become ensnared in their web. If you observe a spider lurking near the entrance, mainly if it exhibits aggressive behaviour when disturbed, it could indicate a funnel-web burrow.
- Behaviour of the spider: Funnel-web spiders are nocturnal hunters who are most active at night. If you’re trying to identify a funnel-web burrow, you may have better luck observing it during the evening or early morning hours when the spider is more likely to be active.
What do you do if you find a funnel-web spider in your house?
- Stay calm: Avoid panicking or making sudden movements. While funnel-web spiders are venomous, they typically only bite if threatened.
- Containment: If you feel confident enough, you can attempt to contain the spider using the instructions on the Australia Reptile Park website.
- Release or donate: Decide whether you want to release or donate the spider outdoors. If you release it outdoors, choose a location far from your home. Otherwise, you can take it to a dropoff location, where it can be used to make antivenom.
- Prevent reentry: Inspect your home for potential entry points where spiders could enter.
- Seek medical attention if bitten: If a funnel-web spider bites you or someone else, follow this direction from St John’s Ambulance and seek immediate medical attention.
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