Atrax christenseni
| Atrax christenseni | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Atracidae |
| Genus: | Atrax |
| Species: | A. christenseni
|
| Binomial name | |
| Atrax christenseni Dupérré & Smith, 2025[1]
| |
The Newcastle funnel-web spider (Atrax christenseni), also known as Newcastle big boy,[2] is a species of venomous mygalomorph funnel-web spider in the family Atracidae, native to an area north of Newcastle in Australia.[2]
Description
Atrax christenseni is considered a very large species of funnel-web spider, with adult males exhibiting notable size.[2] The largest recorded male individual measured approximately 9.2 cm (3.6 in) across, including the span of the legs, making it one of the largest members of the genus Atrax.[2][1] This considerable size, combined with its potent venom, has contributed to the species’ reputation for being among the most venomous and dangerous spiders in the world.[2] Despite the species’ high venom potency, no fatalities have been documented, largely due to the availability of an effective antivenom.
The antivenom developed for the closely related Sydney funnel-web spider (A. robustus) has been shown to be effective in treating bites from A. christenseni as well.[3] This cross-efficacy is attributed to the biochemical similarity of the venom components among species within the Atrax genus, enabling broader protection through the same medical intervention.
Taxonomy and naming
The species was formally described as a new species in 2025.[2] Previously, it was thought to be a local subspecies of the Sydney funnel-web.[3]
The specific epithet christenseni honors Kane Christensen, who contributed specimens that led to A. christenseni's recognition as a distinct species.[2]
Distribution and habitat
A. christenseni occurs in the area north of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia,[2] where it inhabits silk-lined burrows.[4] The exact location of the spider populations are not published, due to conservation concerns and its venom.[5]
References
- ^ a b Natural History Museum Bern. (n.d.). "Atrax christenseni Dupérré & Smith, 2025. World Spider Catalog. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Loria, Stephanie F.; Frank, Svea-Celina; Dupérré, Nadine; Smith, Helen M.; Jones, Braxton; Buzatto, Bruno A.; Harms, Danilo (2025-01-13). "The world's most venomous spider is a species complex: systematics of the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atracidae: Atrax robustus)". BMC Ecology and Evolution. 25 (1): 7. Bibcode:2025BMCEE..25....7L. doi:10.1186/s12862-024-02332-0. ISSN 2730-7182. PMC 11727706. PMID 39800689.
- ^ a b Museum, Australian. "Scientists resolve 'identity crisis' for Australia's deadliest spider". phys.org. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
- ^ Gray, M., & Smith, H. (n.d.). Newcastle Funnel-web Spider, Atrax christenseni. The Australian Museum. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ Dalton, A. (2025, January 13). "A new species of Sydney funnel web has been discovered – and it’s a monster. The Sydney Morning Herald.