Have you ever heard of a spider so large it can pierce a human's nail? The recent discovery of a gigantic male funnel-web spider named “Hercules” at the Reptile Park in Australia is captivating. This remarkable arachnid is not only the largest of its kind but also plays a crucial role in the park's venom extraction program aimed at saving lives. Found by chance on the central coast, Hercules is now set to make a significant impact on venom research and antivenom production.
Hercules was initially spotted around 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Sydney and quickly taken to a local hospital before being transferred to the park. Experts soon recognized that this specimen was unlike any other previously collected, measuring an impressive 7.9 centimeters (3.1 inches) from leg to leg. This surpasses the previous record holder, a male spider named “Coloso,” adding to the excitement surrounding Hercules's arrival.
The funnel-web spider is known for its potency, and while it typically measures between 1 and 5 centimeters, males like Hercules are exceptionally rare. Found mostly in wooded areas and suburban gardens from Sydney to Newcastle and the Blue Mountains, these spiders are both fascinating and fearsome. With Hercules’s presence, the Reptile Park not only gains a specimen for public interest but also enhances its efforts in antivenom production, which has been crucial in preventing fatalities from spider bites in Australia.
SYDNEY — With fangs capable of piercing a human nail, the largest male of the world's most venomous arachnid has found a new home at the Reptile Park in Australia, where it will help save lives after being discovered by chance.
The deadly Sydney funnel-web spider, nicknamed “Hercules,” was found on the central coast, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Sydney, and was initially taken to a local hospital, the Reptile Park of Australia explained in a statement on Thursday.
The park's spider experts retrieved it and soon noticed it was the largest male specimen ever received from the public in Australia.
The spider measured 7.9 centimeters (3.1 inches) from leg to leg, surpassing the previous record of the park from 2018, a male funnel-web named “Coloso.”
Sydney funnel-web spiders typically range from one to five centimeters in length, and females are generally larger than males, though not as deadly. They are predominantly found in wooded areas and suburban gardens from Sydney, Australia's most populated city, to the coastal city of Newcastle in the north and the Blue Mountains to the west.
“Hercules” will contribute to the park’s antivenom program. Spiders safely captured and delivered by the public undergo a process of “milking” to extract venom, which is essential for producing a life-saving antidote.
“We are used to receiving fairly large funnel-web spiders donated to the park; however, receiving a male of this size is like winning the lottery,” said Emma Teni, spider keeper at the Reptile Park of Australia. “While females are venomous, males have proven to be more lethal.”
“Having a male funnel-web spider of this size in our collection could mean a huge production of venom, which will be incredibly valuable for the park's venom program.”
Since the program began in 1981, there have been no deaths in Australia from funnel-web spider bites.
The recent wet and rainy weather along Australia’s east coast has provided ideal conditions for this arachnid species to thrive.
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