INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
This spider is one of Australia's largest and most easily identified. The body of a female Sydney Funnel-web spider measures about 35mm in length and the male about 25mm. The paired spinnerets at the end of the abdomen are particularly long, much longer than those of other large dark spiders.The male is of a more delicate build than the female and has 2 features which help identification. One is a little spur half way along its second leg on each side and the other is finely pointed feelers to transfer sperm to the female. |
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HABITATThe spiders may take several years to reach maturity and live for perhaps 8 years or longer. When mature, the males leave their webs and lead a homeless existence. They tend to roam and often enter homes particularly during Summer after a heavy downpour of rain. They mate with a female for only one season and if not killed shortly after mating, die within a few months. |