S01 · Spiders
Sydney Funnel-web Spider
Atrax robustus
Australia's most infamous spider. A large, shiny black spider with powerful fangs and highly toxic venom — antivenom is available and effective.
- Size
- 35–50 mm body
- Habitat
- Moist soil, leaf litter, under logs and rocks
- Activity
- Year-round, active after rain
Safety Warning
Bite first aid: apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, keep the patient calm and still, and call 000 immediately. Do NOT use a tourniquet or attempt to suck the venom. Antivenom is highly effective when given promptly.
Overview
The Sydney funnel-web is one of the world's most venomous spiders. Males are more dangerous than females and are most active during warmer months, especially after rain when they wander in search of mates. They build distinctive silk-lined burrows in moist, sheltered ground, often with visible silk trip-lines at the entrance. Despite their fearsome reputation, no deaths have occurred since the introduction of antivenom in 1981.
How to identify
- Shiny black or very dark brown body, 35–50 mm
- Males have a more slender body and longer legs than females
- Prominent, powerful fangs that point downwards
- Silk-lined burrow in soil with irregular silk trip-lines radiating from entrance
- Aggressive defensive stance when disturbed — raises front legs and shows fangs
General guidance only. Information on Home Pest Defence is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. For termites, venomous spider bites, wasp nests in walls, or protected wildlife, contact a licensed pest controller, your GP, or the relevant state wildlife authority. In emergencies call 000; for poisoning call 13 11 26.