Port Macquarie funnel-web spider facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port Macquarie funnel-web spider |
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Hadronyche sp. 14 |
The Hadronyche macquariensis, also known as the Port Macquarie funnel-web spider, is a venomous spider. It belongs to a group of spiders called mygalomorphs. This spider is one of many types of Australian funnel-web spiders found in New South Wales, Australia.
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About the Port Macquarie Funnel-Web Spider
Scientists gave the Port Macquarie funnel-web spider its official name, Hadronyche macquariensis, in 2010. It was named by a scientist called Mike Gray. The first male spider used to describe the species was found in Taree, New South Wales, back in 1978. This spider is part of a special group of funnel-web spiders called the infensa group. This group includes several types of spiders found in central New South Wales and southern Queensland. Before it got its official name, people knew it as Hadronyche sp. 14.
What Does This Spider Look Like?
Like many other Australian funnel-web spiders, both male and female Port Macquarie funnel-web spiders are shiny black. Their legs, mouthparts (called chelicerae), and body (abdomen) are dark brown to black.
- Body Shape: The top part of their body, called the carapace, is a bit longer than it is wide.
- Size of Males: A male spider's carapace is usually about 0.97 cm long and 0.91 cm wide. Their legs are about 3 cm (1.2 in) long. Their abdomen is around 1.1 cm long.
- Size of Females: A female spider's carapace is usually about 1.1 cm long and 0.93 cm wide. Their legs are about 2.5 cm (0.98 in) long. Their abdomen is around 1.4 cm long.
Where Do These Spiders Live?
The Port Macquarie funnel-web spider lives along the northern coast of New South Wales in eastern Australia. They have been found in areas from Forster in the south, up through Taree and Port Macquarie, all the way to Coffs Harbour and Bellingen in the north.
Is Its Bite Dangerous?
Yes, the Port Macquarie funnel-web spider has a serious bite. There has been at least one case where a person became very sick after being bitten by this spider. If someone is bitten by a funnel-web spider, it is very important to get medical help right away. Doctors and nurses at a hospital can provide the necessary treatment.
