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Atracidae; Atrax robustus (funnel web spider)
Image: [1] Sydney funnel web spider (Atrax robustus)
Epidemiology:
- found in Australia
- name derives from funnel-like burrows they build
Pathology:
- venom contains a delta atracotoxin (robustoxin) a polypeptide neurotoxin
- bite is very painful [1]
- local neurotoxic effects most common
- systemic effects uncommon [1]
- nausea/vomiting, diaphoresis, salivation, piloerection, lacrimation, pupillary changes, hypertension, tachycardia, pulmonary edema, fasciculations, muscle spasms, sympathetic & parasympathetic autonomic stimulation, oral paresthesia, coma
Differential diagnosis:
- funnel weavers refers to harmless family Agelenidae that inhabit the Northern Hemisphere
- Missulena (mouse spiders) found mostly in coastal & drier regions of Australia
Management:
- funnel web spider antivenin
Related
spider bite
General
spider
Properties
KINGDOM: animal
PHYLUM: arthropod
ORGANISM-CLASS: arachnid
References
- Grimm L
Medically Significant Spider Bites: Which to Watch Out For,
Medscape. July 25, 2023
https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/venomous-spiders-31606