Newly discovered 'Big boy' spider adds to Australia's venomous fauna
Scientists from Australia and Germany have classified a new, highly venomous species of spider – Atrax christenseni, known as Big Boy. It is very large and extremely venomous. A bite can be fatal.
Researchers from Flinders University in Australia, the Australian Museum, and the German Leibniz Institute announced the discovery of a new, highly venomous species of spider. Atrax christenseni, also known as Big Boy, is a larger and more venomous variety of the Australian funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus). This information was published by Reuters, citing research results from the previous day.
Atrax christenseni - a new spider species
The newly discovered spider was first noticed in the early 2000s near Newcastle, about 170 kilometres north of Sydney. The discovery was made by spider enthusiast Kane Christensen, whose name was immortalised in the Latin species name.
Atrax christenseni reaches a length of 10 centimetres, making it almost twice the size of the classic Australian funnel-web spider, which measures about 5 centimetres.
This spider is found within a radius of about 150 kilometres from Sydney and is mainly active from November to April. For both varieties of the funnel-web spider, only the male's bite can be fatal to humans. Since the 1980s, when an antivenom for the Australian funnel-web spider venom was developed, 13 deaths have been recorded. Scientists confirm that the same treatment effectively cures Big Boy's bites.
Characteristics and dangers
Atrax christenseni is characterised by larger venom glands and longer fangs than its relative. The former head of the spider division at the Australian Reptile Park emphasises that this spider secretes large amounts of venom and should not be touched.
Symptoms of a spider bite
Symptoms of a spider bite usually include localised pain, itching, and swelling, but they can be dangerous for those with allergies, causing anaphylactic reactions. In the case of venomous species like Atrax, more severe effects such as skin necrosis or fever are possible. Caution is advised in areas where these spiders are found.
Australia, renowned for its numerous venomous creatures, attracts attention due to its large spiders that can appear in homes and vehicles. Encounters with them can be stressful for many people, but education and appropriate behaviour minimise the risk of dangerous bites.
Source: PAP, WP
