The spider is 7.9 cm in size and its teeth can pierce a human fingernail
With teeth that could pierce a human fingernail, the largest male specimen of the most poisonous arachnid in the world, has found a new home at the Australian Reptile Park.
The deadly one spider which received the name “Hercules» was found on the Central Coast about 50 miles north of Sydney, and was initially taken to a local hospital, the reptile park said in a statement.
Spider experts when they received it realized it was the largest male specimen ever found in Australia. The spider has size 7.9 cm surpassing the previous record holder in the park, from 2018, the male ‘Colossus’.
The largest male specimen of the world’s most venomous spider has been found in — you guessed it — Australia. Meet Hercules. pic.twitter.com/GXW45i8k2S
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 5, 2024
Sydney spiders typically range in length from one to five centimeters, with females generally larger than males, but not as deadly. They are mainly found in woodlands and suburban gardens around Sydney, to the coastal city of Newcastle in the north and the Blue Mountains in the west.
“Hercules” will contribute to the program implemented by the park against poisons. Spiders that are captured are “milked” to extract venom, which is necessary to produce a life-saving antidote.
A huge funnel web spider has been donated to the Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales. 🕷️
The spider, which has been named Hercules, is 7.9 centimeters wide and has fangs capable of piercing through a human fingernail.
Watch more videos: https://t.co/8xyWy2d9Fw pic.twitter.com/OIHapNXAKU
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 4, 2024
“We are used to quite large spiders being donated to the park, but to receive such a large male spider is like hitting the jackpot,” said the park’s spider keeper, Emma Teni. “With a male of this size in our collection, the venom production could be enormous and prove incredibly valuable to the park’s venom program.”
According to the AP, since the program began in 1981, there has not been a death in Australia from a spider bite.
Source: Skai
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