How much do we know about the world’s deadliest spider, which lives only in Australia’s largest city?
Turns out, not much!
The Sydney funnel web, Atrax Robustus, has a venom only toxic to primates. While their venom has been studied in depth, resulting in an antivenom, little is known about their life and habits.
Arachnologist Caitlin Creak studies the Sydney funnel web spider unlike anyone else before – in the wild. This dangerous, cold and wet field work has never dampened her love for these spiders and her quest to know more about them.
Hear actor behind Hoot from Giggle and Hoot, Nicholas Richard, grapple with his respect and fear of our eight-legged neighbours. Will he come to love the creature we’ve been taught to avoid?
Links for more
The Australian Museum page on funnel webs
The Australian Reptile Park page on handling funnel webs for the antivenom program
Caitlin’s website for more spider insights
Follow Nick on Instagram
Credits
Producer: Rachel Rayner, Science Explainer
Guests: Caitlin Creak, Nicholas Richard
Music: Michelle Cashman
Editor: Dianne Weller
Made possible through Meta Australia Public Interest Journalism Fund, administered by the Walkley Foundation, with support from Comedy Victoria.
","author_name":"Rachel Rayner"}