Sydney Funnel-web Spider (species: Atrax robustus) in Berowra Valley NP (Gaia Guide)
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Atrax robustus
Sydney Funnel-web Spider


©Jurgen Otto: Sydney Funnel-web Spider (Atrax robustus)

©Tirin: Sydney Funnel-web Spider (Atrax robustus)

©Sputniktilt on Wikipedia: Sydney Funnel-web Spiders (Atrax robustus) with male above and female below

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Arthropoda
Class Arachnida
Order Araneae
Family Hexathelidae
Genus Atrax
Species Atrax robustus

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Distinguishing features

An obvious, conical projection or 'spur' on the lower side of the middle segment (tibia) of the second leg (about halfway along) is characteristic of the genus Atrax, exemplified by the Sydney Funnel-web Spider, Atrax robustus. Males of all other funnel-web species (currently placed in the genus Hadronyche) either have a blunt, spine-covered tibial swelling, or a few spines only, on the second leg.

Size

  • From 1.5 cm to 3.5 cm (Size excluding legs)

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

They occur in New South Wales, from Newcastle to Nowra and west to Lithgow. They prefer forested upland areas. They do better in areas of sandy clay, shale or basaltic soils that can retain moisture more effectively. (Australian Museum)

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