Atrax

Atrax is a small genus of Australian funnel-web spiders having just three species as per May 2019 records. They were initially a part of the Curtain web-spider (Dipluridae) family and then shifted to the funnel-web (Hexathelidae) family in 1980.

Atrax Spider

Scientific Classification

Spiders Belonging to this Genus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: They have an average size of 0.59 – 1.77 inches (1.5 – 4.5 cm)

Color: They mostly have a brownish body. Like, the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) appears bluish-black or brown. On the other hand, Atrax sutherlandi is dark brown or plum.

Other Characteristic Features: Most of them are hairless, with a smooth, and glossy appearance.

Eggs

A single sac contains about 100 eggs, that are pale yellow or yellowish-green.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings leave the eggs shortly after the hatching.

The Web

They make funnel-shaped webs and wait inside to capture their prey.

Are Spiders of Atrax Venomous

The Sydney funnel-web spider, belonging to this genus is considered one of the world’s deadliest spiders, whose bite can result in severe illness, or even fatality if not treated instantly.

Quick Facts

Distribution Australia
Habitat Forests and urban areas
Diet Insects
Web Type Funnel-shaped
Lifespan 4-20 years

Did You Know

  • English zoologist, Octavius Pickard-Cambridge, first described the species in 1877.

Image Credit: destepti.ro

Atrax is a small genus of Australian funnel-web spiders having just three species as per May 2019 records. They were initially a part of the Curtain web-spider (Dipluridae) family and then shifted to the funnel-web (Hexathelidae) family in 1980.

Atrax Spider

Spiders Belonging to this Genus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: They have an average size of 0.59 – 1.77 inches (1.5 – 4.5 cm)

Color: They mostly have a brownish body. Like, the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) appears bluish-black or brown. On the other hand, Atrax sutherlandi is dark brown or plum.

Other Characteristic Features: Most of them are hairless, with a smooth, and glossy appearance.

Eggs

A single sac contains about 100 eggs, that are pale yellow or yellowish-green.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings leave the eggs shortly after the hatching.

The Web

They make funnel-shaped webs and wait inside to capture their prey.

Are Spiders of Atrax Venomous

The Sydney funnel-web spider, belonging to this genus is considered one of the world’s deadliest spiders, whose bite can result in severe illness, or even fatality if not treated instantly.

Quick Facts

Distribution Australia
Habitat Forests and urban areas
Diet Insects
Web Type Funnel-shaped
Lifespan 4-20 years

Did You Know

  • English zoologist, Octavius Pickard-Cambridge, first described the species in 1877.

Image Credit: destepti.ro

Leave a Reply