Darling Downs funnel-web spider facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darling Downs funnel-web spider |
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| male specimen on display at the Australian Museum | |
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Atrax infensus Hickman |
The Darling Downs funnel-web spider (scientific name: Hadronyche infensa) is a type of venomous spider. It's one of the many funnel-web spiders found in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. These spiders are known for their shiny black bodies and their unique funnel-shaped webs.
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What is the Darling Downs Funnel-Web Spider?
How Scientists Name Spiders
Scientists give every living thing a special name. This helps everyone know exactly which animal or plant they are talking about. This system is called taxonomy. The Darling Downs funnel-web spider was first named Atrax infensus by a scientist named Hickman in 1964.
Later, in 1988, scientists decided it was more like other spiders in the Hadronyche group. So, its name was changed to Hadronyche infensa. The very first spider of this type that scientists studied was a male. It was found in Toowoomba, Queensland, in 1963.
What Does the Darling Downs Funnel-Web Spider Look Like?
Appearance and Features
Like many other Australian funnel-web spiders, both male and female Darling Downs funnel-web spiders look quite similar. They have a shiny black carapace (which is like a hard shell on their back). Their legs, mouthparts (called chelicerae), and abdomen are dark brown to black.
Their carapace is a bit longer than it is wide. If you look closely at a male spider, you might see a lighter patch on the underside of its abdomen.
Where Do Darling Downs Funnel-Web Spiders Live?
Spider Homes and Locations
You can find the Darling Downs funnel-web spider in eastern Australia. They live in places from the southeastern part of Queensland down to the northeastern part of New South Wales. They like to hide in cool, damp places, often making their funnel-shaped webs in burrows or under logs.
Is the Darling Downs Funnel-Web Spider Dangerous?
Understanding Spider Venom
Yes, the Darling Downs funnel-web spider is venomous. Both male and female spiders have venom that is equally strong. Out of 14 times people have been bitten by this spider, two cases caused serious symptoms. Bites from female spiders have also caused milder problems.
The good news is that there is a special medicine called an antivenom. This antivenom, which is used for the related Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus), can successfully treat bites from the Darling Downs funnel-web spider.
When Spiders Are More Active
The venom of the Darling Downs funnel-web spider can become stronger in early summer. This happens after the spiders have not eaten much during winter. At this time, male spiders are often moving around more. They are looking for a mate. This means people are more likely to come across them and might get bitten. It's always a good idea to be careful and aware of your surroundings, especially in areas where these spiders live.
