Sydney funnel-web spider reclassified into three species

Recent research has revealed that the infamous Sydney funnel-web spider is not a single species but rather three distinct species: the original Sydney funnel-web (Atrax robustus), the Southern Sydney funnel-web (Atrax montanus), and the newly identified Newcastle funnel-web (Atrax christenseni), also known as 'Big Boy'. This discovery was made by an international team of scientists through a combination of anatomical studies and DNA analysis, leading to a significant shift in understanding the diversity of these deadly spiders. The Newcastle funnel-web is notably larger and has a more potent venom, yet the existing antivenom remains effective for its bites. With these findings, researchers aim to explore variations in venom among the species, which could have implications for medicine and pest control. Additionally, the study highlights concerns regarding the declining populations of these spiders and the need for improved conservation efforts. The research was published in BMC Ecology and Evolution.