Newcastle's 'Big Boy' Funnel-Web Spider: 9.2 cm Leg Span

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Australian scientists discovered a new funnel web spider species near Newcastle, measuring 9.2 centimeters in leg span - twice the size of regular 2.5-centimeter male funnel webs.

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Named Atrax christenseni after its discoverer Kane Christensen, these large spiders drew attention at Australian Reptile Park, where people often mistook them for huntsmans.

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Scientists confirmed the Sydney funnel web actually comprises three distinct species the classic Sydney variant, a southern species, and this newly found Newcastle variant.

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The venom of this Newcastle species can induce muscle spasms, profuse sweating, tears, and a rapid pulse, though existing antivenom works effectively against it.

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The spider's exact location remains secret within a 25-kilometer radius around Newcastle to protect it from specimen collectors who could harm its population.

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Since joining as a volunteer venom milker in 2003, Kane Christensen's careful observation of unusually large specimens led to this remarkable scientific classification.

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No deaths have occurred from funnel web spider bites since 1981's antivenom development, even with recent cases including an 11-month-old baby's survival.

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The species evolved through isolation in moist gullies during wet and dry climate cycles, creating distinct variations across coastal regions.

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