Funnel-Web Spiders

Family Hexathelidae

Like the name says, these guys produce massive funnel-shaped webs. Australia is home to the world's deadliest spider (the Northern Australian Funnel-Web Spider) as well as the world's second-deadliest spider (the Sydney Funnel-Web Spider).

Physical Features

Funnel-web spiders are generally shiny, black or grey, and somewhat nondescript. They have no outstanding colors and few distinguishing markings, if any. Their eyes are usually packed close together. Funnel-web spiders can often be identified by their thick legs and large fangs. Adults can range in size from 25mm to 5 in. Their webs aren't sticky; minor disturbances to the "sheet" cue the spider to lunge at the prey.

Diet

Funnel-web spiders eat insects and other arthropods.

Habitat

Primarily in Australia, but also in North and south America. They prefer cool, humid areas, staying under logs and other debris; some Australian species live in trees. The Hobo spider, which lives in America's northwest regions, is commonly found indoors.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Adult females can live anywhere from 1-3 years. Egg sacs, which are usually brown, are hung on the web. One interesting feature of female black widows is that they can store sperm after mating; this trait allows them to continue making egg sacs without any further mating. The female black widow is also nefarious for eating the male after reproduction, hence the name "widow."