Sydney Funnel-web Spider

Atrax robustus

The Sydney Funnel-web Spider is a large, black spider with shiny body and strong legs. It builds its burrow with a funnel-shaped entrance. Be cautious around its habitat.

Habitat: Forest

Appearance

The Sydney Funnel-web Spider is a robust, shiny black or dark brown arachnid with a glossy, hairless carapace. It has powerful, downward-pointing fangs and prominent spinnerets, making it visually distinct from many other ground-dwelling spiders.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilyAtracidaeGenusAtrax

Sydney Funnel-web Spider

Interesting facts

Its fangs are so strong they can pierce human fingernails!

Male funnel-webs often wander into houses looking for mates.

Scientists milk their venom to create life-saving antivenom.

They often build their silk-lined burrows under rocks and logs.

Special abilities

Sydney Funnel-web Spider can inject potent neurotoxic venom that helps them quickly subdue prey and deter predators.

Sydney Funnel-web Spider can weave intricate funnel-shaped silk retreats that help them ambush unsuspecting prey.

Sydney Funnel-web Spider has specialized claw tufts that help them climb smooth surfaces like glass or concrete.

Sydney Funnel-web Spider can trap an air bubble to breathe underwater, which helps them survive floods.

Measurements & details

Size: 10-35 mm
Lifespan: 365-3650 days
Leg Count: 8

Diet & Feeding

Tiny insects and other small creatures beware, this spider is a fierce hunter!

Age differences: Young spiders eat smaller insects, while adults can tackle larger prey like frogs.

Primary Foods

insects
small lizards
frogs
snails
other spiders

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eats

field cricket

Gryllus assimilis

a common insect prey

eats

green tree frog

Litoria caerulea

predator to small frogs

eaten by

giant centipede

Scolopendra morsitans

can prey on wandering spiders

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Web Builder

Witness the incredible artistry of creatures that weave intricate, silken structures right before your eyes. They create amazing traps and homes using their own unique silk.

Burrowing

Dig deep and discover animals that build amazing homes underground! They create tunnels and chambers to stay safe, find food, or escape the weather.

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Nocturnal

Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.

Venomous

Be amazed by animals that can inject special substances to defend themselves or catch their food! They deliver their potent dose through a bite or a sting.