Australia finds its largest funnel-web spider ever, named Hemsworth

In a notable event in Australia, a large male funnel-web spider was handed in at a reptile park, marking a significant discovery for the facility. Named Hemsworth, the spider measures 9.2 centimeters, exceeding the previous record holder, Hercules, which was 7.9 centimeters. Such an extraordinary find has prompted excitement among the staff, as noted by spider keeper Emma Teni, who compared Hemsworth's size to that of famous Australian actors, the Hemsworth brothers. This discovery took place at a drop-off location in Newcastle, situated approximately 120 kilometers from Sydney. Upon its arrival, staff initially mistook Hemsworth for a female, only to later recognize it as a male, which is noteworthy given that average male funnel-webs are typically smaller than females. With their collective venom being six times stronger than that of their female counterparts, male funnel-web spiders are specifically targeted for milking to extract life-saving antivenom. Funnel-web spiders, particularly the more dangerous species residing around Sydney, are notorious for their toxic and swift-acting venom. Thus, they are vital in antivenom production, contributing significantly to public health safety. Their venom extraction process holds a dual purpose: advancing medical science and educating the community about safety measures during breeding seasons. Each year, during these seasons, residents of Sydney are advised to carefully capture and deliver any encountered funnel-webs and their eggs to the park, providing essential resources for essential medical treatments. Emma Teni highlighted that receiving such an impressive specimen like Hemsworth is a rare occurrence and is equivalent to finding a treasure within the breeding season endeavors. While Hemsworth is remarkable for its size, it does not hold the overall record for the largest spider species in Australia. That title belongs to the whistling spider, a particular tarantula species known for its large leg span and unique defensive behavior of emitting a whistling sound when threatened. Despite the excitement surrounding Hemsworth, the natural world continues to offer its mysteries, underscoring the importance of awareness about the different spiders in the region, their environmental roles, and the potential dangers they pose to humans.