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Funnel web spider
Appearance
Though there are at least 40 species of Funnel web spiders, they generally have the following characteristics:
Medium to large sized body ranging from 1 cm to 5 cm
Their body colour can range from dark brown to black
The carapace covering the front of their body is shiny and sparsely covered in hair
Habitat
Funnel webs live in burrows in cool, sheltered sites with plenty of moisture. For instance, they can be found in or under:
Rocks
Crevices
Rotting logs
Dense shrubberies
Borer holes in rough-baked trees
Their burrows are often characterised by silk trip lines radiating out from the entrance.
Danger
Though not all Funnel webs are known to be dangerous, any bite from a Funnel web should be treated as a medical emergency.
Some Funnel-web venom can turn nerves 'on' and force them to fire repeatedly, which can lead to muscle spasms, low blood pressure, organ failure, coma, and death.
First aid
Reassure the casualty and keep them at rest and under constant observation
Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
Follow the basic life support guidelines per DRSABCD
Immobilise the limb and joints with a splint until the ambulance arrives - if the bite site is on an arm, use a sling
Redback spider
Appearance
Redback spiders have slender legs and a pea-shaped body
Females can reach up to 1 cm in size, while males tend to range from 3 mm to 4 mm - only females can bite humans, as the males' fangs are too small to penetrate skin
Females are black in colour and have an orange to red stripe on the top of their abdomen - males, on the other hand, are usually light brown with white or yellow markings
Females have an orange to red hourglass shaped marking on the underside of their abdomen - this marking is also present in males, though it tends to be more pale in colour
Habitat
Redback spiders tend to build their webs in dry, sheltered sites close to human habitation, including:
Sheds
Toilets
Rocks and junk piles
Their webs comprise a funnel-like upper retreat area from which sticky catching threads emanate.
Danger
Redback spiders are retiring creatures and rarely leave their webs. As such, most bites occur when a person puts their hand or other body part directly into a web.
Signs and symptoms of a Redback spider bite can include:
Intense pain, redness, swelling, and sweating at the bite site
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Tenderness in the armpit or groin of the affected limb
Loss of coordination
Rapid, shallowing breathing
It is important to remember, though more than 250 people receive antivenom for Redback spider bites each year, many other cases of envenomation go unreported due to the mildness of the symptoms.
Likewise, though Redback spider bites have caused fatalities in the past, the last recorded death from a Redback spider bite was in 1955, a year before the antivenom was developed.
First aid
Reassure the casualty
Apply a cold compress to the bite site for periods of up to 20 minutes to lessen the pain
Observe the casualty for any signs of deterioration
If the casualty is under 8 years of age, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
Seek medical attention if you are worried about your symptoms, or if they get worse instead of better.
Huntsman spider
Appearance
Flat, dark coloured body that can range from 1.6 cm to 2 cm - females tend to be larger than males
Long, hairy legs that can span up to 15 cm and bend forward like those of a crab
Habitat
Under loose tree bark
In crevices on rock walls
Beneath rocks, logs, and other litter
In rainy or humid conditions, Huntsman spiders have also been known to hide in homes and cars.
Danger
Huntsman spiders are largely harmless to humans, as their bites are infrequent and generally only cause negligible symptoms like mild pain and swelling.
Treat as for a Redback spider bite.
Wolf spider
Appearance
Hairy, drab coloured body covered in grey, brown, or black markings
Their underside can be light grey, cream, or black and superimposed with black or white markings
Habitat
Wolf spiders commonly take shelter in suburban backyards in leaf litter or burrows, which may or may not have a trapdoor.
Danger
Wolf spider are not considered dangerous to humans, as they generally prefer to run away from conflict and their bites typically cause mild symptoms like localised pain or itchiness.
Some people, however, may experience more severe symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and a rapid pulse.
Treat as for a Redback spider bite.
Daddy-long-legs spider
Appearance
Small body that that is almost translucent and generally ranges from 2 mm to 10 mm
Long, skinny legs that can grow up to 50 mm
Habitat
Daddy-long-legs are common throughout urban areas, especially houses. They tend to build their thin, tangled webs in sheltered, relatively undisturbed areas like:
Under furniture
Behind doors
In the corners of ceilings
Danger
The Daddy-long-legs spider is considered largely harmless to humans, as its venom generally only causes a short lived burning sensation.
Treat as for a Redback spider bite.
Golden orb spider
Appearance
Females can range from 2 cm to 5 cm, while males tend to average a modest 5 mm
Females have a silver-grey to plum coloured body, typically with yellow banded legs - males, meanwhile, are red-brown to brown in colour
Habitat
Golden orb weavers suspend their large, wheel-shaped webs between trees and shrubs in a variety of environments, including mangroves, dry open forest, and coastal sand dune shrubland.
Danger
The Golden orb weaver is considered virtually harmless to humans, as their bites are infrequent and generally only cause negligible or mild local pain, swelling, and numbness.
Treat as for a Redback spider bite.
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We have training locations in every state, capital city, and major town throughout Australia. Head to our website to find and enrol in a first aid course near you today.
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Encountering a funnel web spider can be a frightening experience, and if a bite occurs, it is crucial to act swiftly and effectively to minimize the potential risks associated with their venom.
