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.
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.
A single sac contains about 100 eggs, that are pale yellow or yellowish-green.
Spiderlings leave the eggs shortly after the hatching.
They make funnel-shaped webs and wait inside to capture their prey.
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.
| Distribution | Australia |
| Habitat | Forests and urban areas |
| Diet | Insects |
| Web Type | Funnel-shaped |
| Lifespan | 4-20 years |
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.
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.
A single sac contains about 100 eggs, that are pale yellow or yellowish-green.
Spiderlings leave the eggs shortly after the hatching.
They make funnel-shaped webs and wait inside to capture their prey.
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.
| Distribution | Australia |
| Habitat | Forests and urban areas |
| Diet | Insects |
| Web Type | Funnel-shaped |
| Lifespan | 4-20 years |
Image Credit: destepti.ro
