Atrax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atrax |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Atrax robustus making a threat display | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Suborder: |
Mygalomorphae
|
| Infraorder: |
Tuberculotae
|
| Superfamily: |
Hexatheloidea
|
| Family: |
Hexathelidae
|
| Subfamily: |
Hogg, 1901
|
| Genus: |
Atrax
|
| Genera | |
|
Atrax |
|
Atrax is a genus of spiders. These spiders are known for their very strong venom. They live in Australia, especially around the city of Sydney. Because of this, they are often called Sydney Funnel-web spiders. Atrax spiders are quite aggressive. They will defend their territory if they feel scared. They might even do a special threat display before they bite.
Contents
All About Atrax Spiders
What Makes Atrax Spiders Special?
Atrax spiders are famous for their powerful venom. If they feel threatened, they will often stand up on their back legs. They might show their fangs in a "threat display." After this, they can bite very quickly. In the past, before a special medicine called antivenom was created, their bites were very dangerous. Sadly, some people died from these bites. For example, in 1927, a young boy died very quickly after being bitten. Over fifty years, thirteen deaths were recorded. But now, thanks to antivenom, bites from Atrax spiders are much safer. Doctors can treat people who are bitten.
Where Do Atrax Spiders Fit In?
Spiders are a huge group of animals. Scientists divide them into three main types. One type is very old, and only a few kinds of those spiders are still alive today. Another type includes most of the spiders you see every day. These are the ones that build webs or hunt insects in many parts of the world. The third type includes spiders like tarantulas. Atrax spiders belong to this third group. This means they are related to tarantulas and other similar spiders.
Not All Funnel-Webs Are the Same
You might hear about other spiders called "funnel-web spiders." But these are not always the same as Atrax spiders. Some "funnel-web spiders" belong to the second group of spiders mentioned above. This means they are not closely related to Atrax spiders at all. These other funnel-web spiders are usually not dangerous. They just build a similar funnel-shaped web. This web leads down to a safe spot where the spider waits for insects to eat. Atrax spiders are very large and aggressive. The other types of funnel-web spiders are usually small to medium in size. They are also very shy and timid.
