1.   ☠️ Potent Venom Can Kill in Hours

The Australian funnel web spider (Atrax robustus) has one of the most toxic venoms in the spider world. Its bite can cause severe symptoms like muscle spasms, breathing difficulties, and heart failure, potentially leading to death in as little as 15 minutes to 2 hours if untreated.

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2.  🕷️ Aggressive, Not Shy Biters

Unlike many spiders that flee, funnel webs are known for their aggressive nature. When threatened, they rear up, display their fangs, and can strike repeatedly, injecting more venom with each bite, making them a serious threat to humans.

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3.  🦷 Fangs That Pierce Through Shoes

Their fangs are incredibly strong and sharp, capable of penetrating fingernails, soft shoes, or even clothing. This means hiding from them isn’t easy, they can bite through barriers most spiders can’t.

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4.  ☀️ Summer Danger Peaks

Funnel webs are most active in warm, wet conditions, especially during Australia’s summer months (December to February). Males roam in search of mates, often wandering into homes, pools, or shoes, increasing the risk of deadly encounters.

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5.  🚸 Children at Higher Risk

The venom is especially dangerous to young children due to their smaller body mass. A bite can overwhelm their system faster, making rapid treatment critical to avoid severe outcomes.​​​​​​​​​