funnel-web spider

5 Stories

Zoo Asks People to Capture Extremely Deadly Spider

Sydney funnel-web antivenom program has been saving lives since 1981

(Newser) - The Sydney funnel-web spider is considered one of the world's deadliest spiders, with the most toxic venom of any of the dozens of funnel-web species in Australia. But instead of advising people to keep their distance, a zoo north of the city has asked the public to capture the...

Massive Killer Spider Found in Australia Could Save Lives

Australian Reptile Park plans to milk the 'megaspider' to make antivenom

(Newser) - If you happen to have handed over a massive spider with fangs almost an inch long to an anti-venom program in Australia, the Australian Reptile Park wants to hear from you. The park says the funnel-web spider, nicknamed "megaspider," is the largest arachnid of this kind that the...

Boy Survives Spider Bite With Record Dose of Antivenom

The spider is now helping to replenish stocks

(Newser) - A 10-year-old boy in Australia survived a bite from one of the world's deadliest spiders thanks to a quick-thinking dad—and a record-breaking amount of antivenom. Matthew Mitchell was working with his father in a shed at their home around 60 miles north of Sydney when he was bitten...

Australians Asked to Catch World's Deadliest Spider

See a funnel-web? Grab it!

(Newser) - How would you react if you came across one of the world's deadliest spiders? If your instinct is to run, Australia might be a little disappointed in you. The Australian Reptile Park has issued a plea to residents asking them to catch the funnel-web and bring it in, reports...

Killer Spiders Invade Sydney
 Killer Spiders Invade Sydney 
Jan 21, 2010 1:44 AM CST

Killer Spiders Invade Sydney

Warm weather blamed for influx of funnel-webs

(Newser) - A heavy infestation of funnel-web spiders is giving Sydney residents the jitters. Experts say the spider—one of the deadliest and most aggressive in existence—is arriving in unusually large numbers because of warm and wet weather. The spider's bite can be fatal within two hours, although no Australians have...

5 Stories