Most dangerous spider bites in the USA are attributed to a helpless black widow or brown recluse being forced into an untenable position (such as lying blissfully in a shoe until someone inserts a foot into it) and then reacting with a single desperate chomp in self-defense. No such claim is made for any of the three subspecies of the dreaded two-inch long Australian funnel-web spider. Male funnel-webs (who also have more toxic venom than females) affirmatively prowl around looking for trouble, and when provoked, they grab hold of their victim and react savagely and aggressively with multiple bites with their fangs. These are not ordinary fangs. They are big. Further, unlike the opposable fangs of most spiders, the fangs of the Australian funnel-web are pointed downward like daggers. Because of the size and hardness of these fangs, the spider is able to punch them though shoe leather or a toenail. Also, unlike most other spiders, which often bite without injecting toxins, a significant percentage of Australian funnel-web bites involve envenomation of the victim. To see their biting technique in action, watch this National Geographic Channel video.
Fortunately, funnel-web venom is harmless to most mammals. Unfortunately, humans and other primates are the exception to this rule. Australian funnel-web venom, especially from the Sidney subspecies, is an extremely dangerous neurotoxin for humans and can easily cause a very unpleasant death. However, since most of the dangerous Australian funnel-web bites occur in the urban area of Sidney, the plethora of hospitals and antivenom therein has meant that there have been no fatalities attributed to funnel-web spiders in recent years.
Aesthetically, Australian funnel-web spiders are quite attractive. They sport a very tasteful and elegant glossy dark brown or black carapace. Their beauty was captured by the Perth Mint, who featured them in 2012 on a colorful silver dollar issued by the nation of Tuvalu.
One of many creatures in Australia that are poisonous!
ReplyDeleteStay tuned, and you may read about some more of them!
ReplyDelete