Scientists discover three species of the famous “Sydney funnel-web spider”, including a larger and more poisonous one in ...

The Sydney funnel-web spider has extremely dangerous venom, but according to a new study this spider is actually three different species — one of which, the "Newcastle big boy," is much larger.

The 'classic' Sydney funnel-web spider on the (left) and newly-identified Newcastle funnel-web variant 'Big Boy'. Picture: Kane Christensen In early January the Park received a spider named ...

which is found only near the city of Newcastle to Sydney's north, has been nicknamed "Big Boy" by spider enthusiasts. "Our research uncovered hidden diversity among funnel-web spiders," study co ...

The Latin name for the Big Boy species is derived from the Newcastle spider enthusiast Kane Christensen, who brought it to the attention of the research team. The study was launched after Mr ...

"This particular spider is much larger, its venom glands are much larger, and its fangs are much longer," Christensen said, ...