As summer approaches in Australia, residents are being warned to be on the lookout for one of the country’s deadliest species of spider during mating season. The heads up is not simply to avoid the arachnids, however, but collect live samples for “milking” their venom.
The venomous bite of the funnel-web spider, which is indigenous to eastern Australia, has been known to kill a human in as little as 15 minutes without medical treatment. The species is responsible for 13 recorded deaths, but none since an antivenom was developed in 1981. However, the serum is dependent on milking live spiders, which is why the Australian Reptile Park is asking the public to help capture and donate them.
Following a particularly rainy season with warming temperatures, the spiders are expected to be spotted around residential areas looking for a mate. Residents are being told to be on the lookout for the spiders in cool, dark areas such as shoes left outside, piles of laundry, pools, and garden debris.
“With breeding season upon us and the weather creating ideal conditions, we rely on spider donations more than ever,” said Australian Reptile Park spider keeper Emma Teni in a recent blog post. “Male funnel-web spiders have short lifespans, and with approximately 150 spiders required to make just one vial of antivenom, we need the public’s help to ensure we have enough venom to meet demand.”
“If you spot an egg sac while collecting a spider, it’s important to safely collect that as well,” Teni explained. “It can provide a robust supply of healthy young spiders to aid in our antivenom production.”
When attempting to capture a funnel-web, Teni advises using a wide-mouthed jar with a lid, as the spiders can’t climb up plastic or glass, and guide them in using a long spoon or similar apparatus. Then, just add some damp soil to add to the jar and tightly seal the lid before taking it to a drop-off location.
“We depend on the public for spider donations, and we want to make sure everyone stays safe during the collection process, especially with conditions being so favourable this year,” Teni added.
