Why are Australians being told to catch one of the world's most dangerous spiders?

Time of India

25-04-2025

What could be hiding in the shadowy corners of Australian homes and gardens is one of the world's most feared spiders, the funnel-web spider. These spiders are enough to make even the bravest among us flinch with their glossy black bodies and powerful fangs, but as terrifying as they may seem, the
Sydney funnel-web spider
plays a surprising and important role in saving lives.
Every year, residents are encouraged to save these spiders and the reason might surprise you. While it may sound eerie to willingly coexist with a potentially dangerous creature often found hiding in shoes or garden debris, this unusual request serves a greater purpose. Far from being just another creepy crawly, this spider plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, and preserving it is part of a larger conservation effort.
These spiders may look intimidating, but they have the potential to save lives. Their venom is crucial for producing life-saving antivenom, especially during the peak of their breeding season when donations are most needed. What many perceive as a creepy creature lurking in the shadows is, in fact, one of Australia's unexpected and unsung heroes.
The deadly venom that this spider injects into its victims also saves lives! Find out how!
by Taboola
by Taboola
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What is expected of the residents?
Every November, as
funnel-web spider
breeding season kicks off in Australia, the
Australian Reptile Park
in New South Wales issues a unique and urgent call to action. Rather than squash or flee from these deadly arachnids, the public is asked to capture and donate them for a good cause.
This venom has a shocking benefit!
The venom from Sydney funnel-web spiders, considered among the most dangerous in the world, but at the same time, it is the key ingredient of life-saving antivenom. Before the antivenom's development in 1981, funnel-web bites caused 13 recorded deaths. Since the advent of the antivenom program, no fatalities have occurred.
Who produces the antivenom for these deadly bites?
The park is the only facility in Australia that produces funnel-web antivenom, and it relies on spider donations to meet growing demand. 'With breeding season upon us and the weather creating ideal conditions, we rely on spider donations more than ever,' said Emma Teni, spider keeper at the Australian Reptile Park, in a public statement. 'Male Funnel-web spiders have short lifespans, and with approximately 150 spiders required to make just one vial of antivenom, we need the public's help to ensure we have enough venom to meet demand.'
How to collect these spiders?
To collect the spiders safely, Teni recommends using a long-handled spoon to gently coax the spider and ideally her egg sac into a container. 'We want to encourage the spider with her egg sac into the jar in one movement, trying not to make her so angry that she destroys the egg sac,' Teni explains in a demonstration video posted to the park's social media platforms. Each egg sac can contain 150 to 200 spiderlings, a potential treasure trove of venom for future antivenom.
Where are these spiders found?
Funnel-web spiders are typically found in cool, damp environments like gardens, woodpiles, and under logs, but they can also creep into homes, shoes, laundry, and swimming pools. Once collected, spiders can be dropped off at designated collection points or directly at the park.