Funnel Web Spider: All You Need to Know in a Nutshell

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Funnel web spiders are fascinating creatures known for their unique web structure. These spiders create large, sheet-like webs with a distinctive funnel or tunnel on one side. The web serves as an efficient trap for unsuspecting prey and a safe retreat for the spider itself.

Often found in structures such as grass, weeds, and ground covers, funnel web spiders are common in various locations, like Pennsylvania Grass Spiders – Penn State Extension. This species has a slim appearance with shades and stripes of gray and brown, closely resembling wolf spiders. However, they have notable differences in behavior and habitat.

Primarily, funnel web spiders play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. Their webs are remarkable examples of nature’s engineering, designed for catching prey and providing safety for the spider. The complexity of their webs reflects their adaptability and survival skills in their environment.

Funnel Web Spider Overview

Species and Identification

Funnel web spiders belong to the family Agelenidae. They are closely related to the more dangerous Australian funnel-web spiders, belonging to the genera Atrax and Hadronyche. Funnel web spiders are often mistaken for wolf spiders due to their similar appearance, but they are generally slimmer in size. Some key characteristics of funnel web spiders include:

  • Red-brown cephalothorax with pale-yellow hairs
  • Abdomen with a pattern of gray to black patches
  • Body length of 6-11.5 mm, depending on the sex

Funnel-web spiders are mostly harmless to humans, unlike their Australian relatives, with the notorious Atrax robustus causing severe bites.

Habitat and Distribution

Funnel web spiders are common in various habitats, such as homes, gardens, and landscapes across North America, like Ohio. Their unique web structure sets them apart:

  • Sheet-like webs, often horizontal
  • A funnel leading to a shelter, such as rock crevices or dense vegetation
  • Web sizes varying, with the sheet extending up to 3 feet wide

These spiders are also found on grass, weeds, and ground covers. In contrast, some Australian funnel-web spiders are native to specific regions like New South Wales and Queensland.

Comparison Table: Funnel Web Spider vs. Australian Funnel Web Spider

Feature Funnel Web Spider Australian Funnel Web Spider
Family Agelenidae Atrax, Hadronyche
Appearance Slimmer Larger
Habitat North America Australia
Size 6-11.5 mm 1-5 cm
Human threat Mostly harmless Venomous, can be fatal

In conclusion, funnel web spiders and Australian funnel-web spiders share similar characteristics, but have differences in distribution, appearance, and potential risks to humans.

Physical Characteristics

Size and Coloration

Funnel Web Spiders are medium to large-sized spiders. The most common coloration ranges from light brown to black. Here are some key features:

  • Color: Light brown to black
  • Size: Medium to large

These spiders often have stripes or patterns, which can help camouflage them in their natural environment.

Fangs and Abdomen

Funnel Web Spiders have shiny black fangs that are used to inject venom into their prey. These fangs can be easily seen on close observation.

The abdomen of the Funnel Web Spider is also important for identification. It is typically covered in a fine layer of hairs, which gives it a slight sheen. Additionally, it has spinnerets located at the end of the abdomen, which are used for producing silk for the spider’s web.

Here’s a comparison of Funnel Web Spider features and an example of a common house cat:

Feature Funnel Web Spider House Cat
Size Medium to large Medium
Color Brown to black Various, incl. black
Abdomen Fine hairs Fur
Fangs/Teeth Shiny black fangs Sharp, curved teeth

In this section, we covered key physical characteristics of Funnel Web Spiders, including their size, coloration, fangs, and abdomen. These features can help identify and differentiate them from other spiders or animals.

Venom and Bites

Venom Potency

Funnel-web spiders are considered among the most venomous spiders in the world. Their venom contains neurotoxins, which are large peptide compounds, making their bites potentially dangerous to humans. Interestingly, male funnel-web spiders are more toxic than their female counterparts.

Symptoms and Effects on Humans

If bitten by a funnel-web spider, common symptoms may include:

  • Pain and swelling at the bite site
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Muscle spasms

However, not all bites result in venom injection or severe symptoms. Some may have mild or no symptoms at all.

Antivenom and Treatment

Thanks to the antivenom that was developed in the 1980s, funnel-web spider bites are no longer considered as deadly as they used to be. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention in the event of a suspected bite, as rapid treatment can prevent severe consequences or even fatalities.

Comparing with other venomous spiders:

Spider species Venom potency Antivenom available? Fatalities if untreated?
Funnel-web spider High Yes Possible
Black widow spider Moderate Yes Rare
Brown recluse Low No Extremely rare

Remember, it is essential to take funnel-web spiders seriously and seek professional help if bitten. Stay safe!

Behavior and Diet

Hunting Techniques

Funnel web spiders, such as the Sydney funnel-web spider, use their distinctive webs as a primary hunting technique. These spiders create sheet-like webs with a funnel leading downward to a shelter, often found in:

  • Rocks
  • Logs
  • Dense vegetation

When a prey, such as an insect, gets caught on the web, the spider rushes out from its hiding place to subdue and capture it.

Prey

Funnel web spiders have a diverse diet consisting of various creatures, including:

  • Cockroaches
  • Beetles
  • Small lizards
  • Birds (in some cases)

This varied diet allows them to thrive in a range of environments and adapt to changes in prey populations.

Predators

Sydney funnel-web spiders and other species of funnel web spiders face several predators in the wild. Some common predators include:

  • Birds
  • Large lizards
  • Trapdoor spiders

These predators may pose a threat to the spiders by invading their space or attacking their burrows. However, some funnel web spiders have developed defensive mechanisms, such as venom, to deter potential predators.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Mating and Spiderlings

Funnel web spiders mate during the mating season from May through July1. Males are often found on the female’s web during this time1. After mating, female funnel web spiders create a disc-shaped egg case and lay up to 200 eggs inside2. The egg sacs are placed in different locations close to the web, often suspended above the web from silk lines1.

Lifespan and Growth

Funnel web spiders have varying lifespans based on their specific species. However, some barn funnel weaver spiders are reported to live for as long as seven years, producing up to nine egg sacs throughout their life1. Growth occurs as spiderlings hatch from the egg cases and begin their lives, eventually reaching adulthood.

Here’s a comparison table of some of the of key characteristics:

Characteristic Funnel Web Spider
Mating season May through July1
Egg case Disc-shaped2
Number of eggs Up to 2002
Lifespan Up to seven years1
Number of egg sacs Up to nine1
  • Important Features
    • Mating occurs during specific season1
    • Female spiders create egg cases and lay eggs2
    • Possible long lifespan1
  • Characteristics
    • Males found on female’s web during mating season1
    • Egg sacs are strategically placed1
    • Spiderlings grow into adulthood

In summary, funnel web spiders have unique reproductive processes and lifespans. Mating occurs during specific months with males on the female’s web1, and female spiders lay up to200 eggs in each egg case2. The spiders can live for several years1, depending on their specific species, producing multiple generations of spiderlings1.

Safety and Prevention

Precautions

To minimize encounters with funnel-web spiders, here are some tips:

  • Wear gloves when gardening or handling objects outdoors
  • Keep outdoor areas free of debris
  • Use insecticides or pest control methods
  • Ensure shoes and clothing are free of spiders before wearing

Bite Treatment

An important first step in funnel-web spider bite treatment is to identify the spider (when possible). Keeping in mind the following characteristics will help with identification:

  • Funnel-web spiders are generally nocturnal
  • They are found primarily on the east coast of Australia
  • Their appearance is similar to wolf spiders but slimmer

If bitten by a funnel-web spider, remain as calm as possible to prevent venom from spreading rapidly. Seek immediate medical attention, as the anti-venom can take effect within 15 minutes.

Myths and Misconceptions

Below is a table comparing misconceptions with facts:

Misconception Fact
All funnel-web spiders are deadly Only the Sydney funnel-web spider is known to cause human fatalities
They are tarantulas Funnel-web spiders are not tarantulas; they belong to a different family of arachnids
North American species are as dangerous as Australian species North American funnel-web spiders are relatively harmless

It’s important to note that not all funnel-web spiders are equally dangerous. The Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) is considered the most dangerous, and it’s found primarily in New South Wales, Australia. Other spiders often get misidentified as funnel-web spiders, such as black house spiders and mouse spiders. However, they do not possess the same level of toxicity.

In summary, understanding funnel-web spiders and their habitats, along with taking proper precautions and knowing how to respond to a bite, can help keep you and your environment safer.

Footnotes

  1. https://extension.psu.edu/barn-funnel-weaver-spider 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
  2. https://uwm.edu/field-station/funnel-web-spider/ 2 3 4 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funnel Web Weaver

 

Spider from South Korea

 

Unknown Spider from South Korea

 


Authors

  • Bugman

    Bugman aka Daniel Marlos has been identifying bugs since 1999. whatsthatbug.com is his passion project and it has helped millions of readers identify the bug that has been bugging them for over two decades. You can reach out to him through our Contact Page.

    View all posts
  • Piyushi is a nature lover, blogger and traveler at heart. She lives in beautiful Canada with her family. Piyushi is an animal lover and loves to write about all creatures.

    View all posts
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4 Comments. Leave new

  • Pretty sure they are in No. California too. we have those webs and huge creepy spiders

    Reply
  • I’m looking at all of these spiders that are being called “funnel webs”, how can you get those in America? I killed a huge funnel web yesterday at the beach and was trying to see what sub-species it was that I killed but I thought the deadly funnel web was only native to Australia?

    Reply
    • There can be confusion with common names. Funnel Web Spiders in the family Agelenidae are well represented in North America. They are not dangerous. Australian Funnel Web Spiders pictured on the Australian Museum site are from the family Hexathelidae and they are classified with Tarantulas and Trapdoor Spiders in the suborder Mygalomorphae.

      Reply
  • “Funnel Web” Spiders are extremely venomous Spiders that are found in Australia. That picture LOOKS like a Funnel WEAVER Spider.

    Reply

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