Home / Curtain-Web Spiders / Colombian Funnel Web Spider (Linothele megatheloides)

Colombian Funnel Web Spider (Linothele megatheloides)

The Colombian funnel web spider is a member of the family of curtain web spiders. As its name suggests, it resides primarily in Colombia.

Scientific Classification

Colombian Funnel Web Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: 1-5 cm (0.4-2 in)

Color: These spiders have a tan body with black legs.

Other Characteristic Features: Their fangs are strong enough to pierce fingernails and soft shoes.

Eggs

The eggs are kept in a protective cocoon spun by their mother.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings are yellow when they emerge from their eggs.

The Web

They build silk-lined burrows near crevices.

Is the Colombian Funnel Web Spider Venomous

Their venom can be pretty lethal, though only 10-15% of bites are life-threatening. While not aggressive by nature, these spiders will attack if they feel threatened.

Linothele megatheloides

Quick Facts

Lifespan 20 years
Distribution South America, primarily Colombia
Habitat Crevices and holes in rocks, logs, and rotten trees
Diet Insects such as cockroaches and crickets

Did You Know

  • Biologists Nicolas Paz S. and Robert J. Raven first described this spider in 1990.

Image Source: static.inaturalist.org, pbs.twimg.com

The Colombian funnel web spider is a member of the family of curtain web spiders. As its name suggests, it resides primarily in Colombia.

Colombian Funnel Web Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: 1-5 cm (0.4-2 in)

Color: These spiders have a tan body with black legs.

Other Characteristic Features: Their fangs are strong enough to pierce fingernails and soft shoes.

Eggs

The eggs are kept in a protective cocoon spun by their mother.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings are yellow when they emerge from their eggs.

The Web

They build silk-lined burrows near crevices.

Is the Colombian Funnel Web Spider Venomous

Their venom can be pretty lethal, though only 10-15% of bites are life-threatening. While not aggressive by nature, these spiders will attack if they feel threatened.

Linothele megatheloides

Quick Facts

Lifespan 20 years
Distribution South America, primarily Colombia
Habitat Crevices and holes in rocks, logs, and rotten trees
Diet Insects such as cockroaches and crickets

Did You Know

  • Biologists Nicolas Paz S. and Robert J. Raven first described this spider in 1990.

Image Source: static.inaturalist.org, pbs.twimg.com