Australian zoo discovers largest funnel-web spider ever recorded

An Australian zoo has made an extraordinary discovery: the largest funnel-web spider ever recorded. Known for their potent venom and aggressive behavior, funnel-web spiders are native to Australia and rank among the most dangerous spiders in the world.

The spider, nicknamed "Queen of the Web" by zoo staff, weighs an impressive 50 grams and measures nearly 8 centimeters in length, including its legs. To put this into perspective, the spider is nearly twice the size of an average funnel-web spider, making it a rare and fascinating find in the field of biology.

The arachnid was brought to the zoo by a local resident in Queensland who found it on their property. Realizing its unusual size, the resident safely captured the spider and delivered it to the zoo for evaluation by specialists.

"When we first saw it, we were in disbelief. We had never encountered a specimen this large in all our years of working with spiders," said one of the zoo’s arachnid experts.

In addition to its remarkable size, the "Queen of the Web" has exceptionally large fangs capable of piercing even thick leather. This makes it even more dangerous, as the funnel-web spider's venom is highly toxic and can be fatal to humans if untreated.

Fortunately, effective antivenoms are widely available in Australia, where funnel-web spider bites are treated with utmost urgency.

The zoo plans to keep the spider in captivity for further studies and potentially use it in venom extraction programs. Funnel-web spider venom is crucial for the production of antivenoms and is also being studied for potential medicinal applications, such as treatments for strokes and neurological conditions.

While the discovery of the "Queen of the Web" has sparked concern, zoo experts emphasize the importance of understanding and preserving these creatures.

"Spiders like this play a vital role in the ecosystem. They help control insect populations and provide valuable insights for scientific research," explained the zoo’s director.

The discovery of this giant spider has attracted the attention of scientists and enthusiasts worldwide, highlighting the richness and uniqueness of Australian wildlife.

Despite the fear these creatures may evoke, it is essential to remember their integral role in biodiversity and to approach them with respect and curiosity.

The "Queen of the Web" has now become a popular attraction at the zoo, where visitors can observe her up close — safely, of course.

The story of this giant spider serves as a reminder of the wonder and surprise the natural world holds, especially in Australia, a land known for its extraordinary and unique species.