Scientists have discovered a larger, more venomous species of the deadly funnel-web spider, nicknamed the ‘big boys’.

Australian scientists have discovered a new species of deadly funnel-web spider that is larger and more venomous than its relatives, and is dubbed the “Big Boy”.

in research Scientists from the Australian Museum, Flinders University and Germany’s Leibniz Institute have discovered that there are three species of funnel-web spiders in Sydney instead of one, released on Monday. Scientists named this 3.54-inch-long species Atrax christenseni, with the nickname “Big Boy.” In comparison, common Sydney funnel-web spiders can grow up to about two inches long.

“Our research revealed hidden diversity among funnel-web spiders,” lead researcher Stephanie Loria said in an article. statement. “The Newcastle funnel web, Atrax christenseni – ‘Big Boy’ – is an entirely new species.”

Dark, shiny, and large spiders are considered among the most dangerous poisonous spiders to humans. Current antivenom is already effective against a wide range of funnel-web spider bites, including the recently discovered “Big Boy.”

Only male Sydney funnel-web spiders have venom that can kill an adult, and 13 deaths have been attributed to the common Sydney funnel-web spider between 1927 and the early 1980s. There have been no deaths since the introduction of antitoxins in the 1980s.

In 2024, the Sydney funnel-web spider Found in Australia Set a record as the largest spider in the Australian Reptile Park. It measured 3.1 inches from foot to foot, surpassing the park’s previous record from 2018.