Giant Venomous Spider "Hercules" Discovered near Sydney
A new record-holder has been found among Australia's notorious Sydney funnel-web spiders, with the discovery of the largest male specimen ever encountered.
Riley Harper
- 2024-01-05
- Updated 08:25 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - The eight-legged giant, which has been named Hercules due to its extraordinary size, measures an impressive 3.1 inches from foot to foot. Hercules was found on the Central Coast, around 50 miles north of Sydney, a region known for the presence of these highly venomous arachnids. The typical size for Sydney funnel-web spiders is between 1 to 5 centimeters, making Hercules an exceptional find. Unlike its other male counterparts, which are smaller but more toxic, Hercules was given to a local hospital before being handed over to specialists at the Australian Reptile Park.
A Critical Contributor to Antivenom Production
Hercules is not just a marvel of nature but is set to play a vital role in saving lives. The Australian Reptile Park has included Hercules in its antivenom program, where the spiders have their venom extracted. This venom is a crucial ingredient in the production of antivenom that treats bites from these deadly creatures. Since the program started in 1981, there have been no fatalities due to funnel-web spider bites across Australia, highlighting the significant impact of this initiative.
The Sydney funnel-web spiders are predominantly found in forested areas and gardens from Sydney to Newcastle, and extending to the Blue Mountains. While female Sydney funnel-weds tend to be larger in size, the venom of the males is more lethal. The recent optimal weather conditions on Australia's east coast have contributed to a surge in funnel-web spider populations, raising the importance of antivenom availability.
The addition of Hercules to the Australian Reptile Park's antivenom program underlines the ongoing efforts to protect the population against one of the most venomous spiders in the world. The program continues to be a pioneering example of how Australia is turning a potentially deadly natural inhabitant into a lifesaving resource.
