Funnel-web spider is an Australian spider that is among the most dangerous spiders in the world. The venomous bite of a funnel-web causes intense pain and medical problems. In rare cases, funnel-web bites have killed human beings. These dark-brown to black spiders, when full-grown, vary from about 3/4 inch to 2 inches (2 to 5 centimeters) in length. Funnel-web spiders are found in southeastern Australia and in Tasmania. The best-known species (kind) is the Sydney funnel-web. There are dozens of other species.
Most funnel-web spiders live singly in ground burrows, which they build in sheltered locations under logs, rocks, or heavy ground litter. They spin funnel-shaped entrances for these burrows. A few kinds of funnel-web spiders are tree dwellers. The spiders feed mainly at night on insects and other small creatures.
The male spiders are excitable and readily rear into the strike position. Of the many people bitten by these spiders, about a dozen have died. However, there have been no recorded deaths since an antidote to the venom was created in 1981. People who have been bitten should immediately seek medical care.
