New Funnel-Web Spider Species Discovered in Australia, Named After Enthusiast

The Newcastle funnel-web, Atrax christenseni, is one of three species newly identified through DNA analysis and morphological studies.

Researchers have reclassified the Sydney funnel-web spider into three distinct species: Atrax robustus, Atrax montanus, and the newly identified Atrax christenseni.
The Newcastle funnel-web, Atrax christenseni, was named after Kane Christensen, who first recognized its unique traits while working at the Australian Reptile Park.
The Newcastle species, nicknamed 'Big Boy,' is notable for its larger size and distinct reproductive anatomy compared to other funnel-web spiders.
The discovery was made possible through international collaboration and analysis of both modern specimens and historical museum collections dating back to the early 1900s.
While the current antivenom remains effective against all three species, researchers suggest further study to optimize venom-based treatments.