Funnel-web Spider (possibly female, due to robust body)
Scientific Name: Likely Atrax or Hadronyche species (Australian funnel-web spiders), specific identification of species from this image alone is difficult.
Order & Family: Araneae (spiders) / Atracidae (Australian funnel-web spiders) or Hexathelidae (world funnel-web spiders). The image strongly suggests an Australian Funnel-web (Atracidae) due to its stocky, dark appearance and prominent spinnerets.
Size: Body length typically ranges from 1 to 5 cm (0.4 to 2 inches) with a leg span often significantly larger. Females are generally larger and more robust than males.
Natural Habitat
Found in various habitats, from forests to urban gardens, preferring moist, sheltered places. They commonly build their silk-lined burrows under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or in crevices. In suburban areas, they may be found in retaining walls, around house foundations, or in damp compost piles.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly insects, but will also prey on other invertebrates and small vertebrates that wander into their web, such as cockroaches, beetles, millipedes, and even small frogs or lizards.
Behavior Patterns
Funnel-web spiders are known for constructing distinctive silk funnel-shaped burrows, often with trip lines radiating out from the entrance. They are ambush predators, waiting for prey to stumble into their trap lines. Males may wander in search of mates, especially during warmer months or after rain. They can be aggressive when threatened or cornered.
Risks & Benefits
Potential Risks: Highly venomous, particularly some species from Australia (e.g., Sydney funnel-web spider, Atrax robustus). Bites can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention and antivenom. Symptoms can include intense pain, sweating, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, and cardiovascular effects. Benefits: As predators, they play a role in controlling insect populations within their ecosystem.
Identified on: 8/18/2025