Funnel-web spider venom is highly toxic to humans, causing rapid paralysis and death.
The venom acts on nerve cells, affecting the heart and muscles.
Each funnel-web spider produces enough venom to potentially kill a dozen humans.
Anti-venom is made by injecting rabbits with the venom and collecting their antibodies.
No deaths have been reported from funnel-web spider bites since 1981.
How dangerous are funnel-web spider bites?
—Funnel-web spider bites are highly dangerous and can cause rapid paralysis and death in humans.
How does funnel-web spider venom affect the body?
—The venom acts on nerve cells, causing chaos and affecting the heart and muscles.
How is anti-venom made for funnel-web spider bites?
—Anti-venom is made by injecting rabbits with the venom and collecting their antibodies.
How much venom does a funnel-web spider produce?
—Each funnel-web spider produces enough venom to potentially kill a dozen humans.
Are funnel-web spider bites still deadly?
—No deaths have been reported from funnel-web spider bites since 1981, thanks to the availability of anti-venom.
00:00Funnel-web spiders are highly venomous and dangerous to humans.
03:49Spider venom acts on nerve cells, causing rapid paralysis and chaos in the body.
06:23Funnel-web spider venom can be collected by milking the spiders by hand.
07:43Anti-venom for funnel-web spider bites is made by injecting rabbits with the venom.
08:58No deaths have been reported from funnel-web spider bites since 1981.
