This article describes the effects of a bite from the funnel-web spider. Male spiders are more poisonous than females.

• funnel-web spider venom

Funnel-web spiders are found in southeast Australia, around Sydney.

Funnel-web spider bites are extremely painful and characteristically cause tingling or numbness in the mouth or lips within 10-15 minutes. These bites can be very dangerous, and have been known to cause all of the following:

• body as a whole
  • chills
  • collapse
  • joint pain
  • muscle spasms (fasciculations)
  • numbness of mouth and lips
• heart and vessels
  • high blood pressure
  • rapid heart rate
• respiratory
  • difficulty breathing
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • drooping eyelids
  • double vision
  • difficulty swallowing
• skin
  • redness around the site of bite
  • sweating excessive
• gastrointestinal
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • diarrhea
• nervous system
  • coma

Call the Poison Control center for guidance. The standard procedure is to apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite, and immobilize the affected limb to prevent the venom from spreading, if possible.

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the identification of the insect if possible
• the time when the bite occurred

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.

If possible, bring the insect to the emergency room for identification.

• Treat the symptoms
• Administer anti-venom

About 90% of people bitten by funnel-web spiders experience only pain and other minor symptoms, and heal well. The other 10%, however, experience enough transfer of venom to cause life-threatening emergency. These bites can be life-threatening, especially in children, and must be treated quickly with anti-venom by an experienced doctor.