Where was the largest male specimen of the world’s most venomous spider found?
The Sydney funnel-web spider is the world’s most venomous spider. The largest male specimen was found on the Central Coast, north of Sydney, Australia. It has been named "Hercules." Now, it lives at the Australian Reptile Park.
What do we know about the Sydney funnel-web spider species?
This spider species is shiny and dark brown to black. When they feel threatened, they become really aggressive. Sydney funnel-web spiders are usually 1 to 5 centimetres long. The females are bigger but not as dangerous. They can be found in forests and gardens in various places in Australia.
Funnel-web spiders eat beetles, cockroaches, etc. These spiders are venomous, but not all bites are deadly. Baby and female Sydney funnel-web spiders have less harmful venom.
The newly found largest male specimen will be used for a specific purpose in the Australian Reptile Park.
What will the spider be used for?
Hercules will help with the antivenom program at the park. Spiders turned in by the public are milked to extract venom. This venom is required for the production of life-saving antivenom.
