Hexathelidae

Common Name

Funnel-web spiders

Overview

Hexathelidae is a family of mygalomorph spiders known for their venomous members and characteristic funnel-shaped webs. These spiders are predominantly found in Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Asia.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Arachnida
  • Order: Araneae
  • Suborder: Mygalomorphae
  • Family: Hexathelidae

Key Characteristics

  • Robust and heavily built bodies
  • Large, powerful chelicerae (fangs)
  • Eight eyes arranged in a distinctive pattern
  • Typically dark brown to black coloration
  • Funnel-shaped silk webs, often in burrows

Life Cycle

  • Egg: Laid in silk sacs within the mother's burrow
  • Spiderling: Hatch and stay in the burrow for a period before dispersing
  • Juvenile: Several molts required to reach maturity
  • Adult: Life expectancy varies; some can live for over a decade

Behavior and Ecology

  • Nocturnal hunters that rely on their silk webs to sense prey
  • Live predominantly in burrows, with a funnel-shaped web extending outside
  • Ambush predators, capturing insects and other small animals
  • Some species exhibit aggressive defensive behaviors when threatened

Notable Species

  • Atrax robustus (Sydney funnel-web spider)
  • Hadronyche formidabilis (Northern tree funnel-web spider)
  • Porrhothele antipodiana (New Zealand tunnel web spider)

Conservation

  • Many species face habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation
  • Some are of conservation concern due to their limited distribution

Significance to Humans

  • Several species are medically significant due to their potent venom
  • Bites infrequently result in fatalities thanks to effective antivenom
  • Studied for their complex venom, which has potential medical applications

Fun Facts

  • Some funnel-web spiders can live up to 20 years in captivity.
  • The Sydney funnel-web spider's venom is highly toxic, particularly to primates, including humans.
  • Funnel-web silk is incredibly strong and forms extensive, complex burrow systems.
  • The eyes of Hexathelidae have poor vision; they rely heavily on their enhanced tactile senses.
  • Males often wander during the mating season, which increases their likelihood of encountering humans.