In a land known for its deadly creatures, one spider is spinning a different kind of web – a lifesaving one. Meet “Hemsworth”, a record-breaking male funnel-web spider whose venom could help protect hundreds of lives each year in Australia. But first, this impressive arachnid must be milked.
Introducing Hemsworth: Australia’s Mightiest Funnel-Web
Aptly named after actor Chris Hemsworth, known for his portrayal of superhero Thor, this spider is a titan among his kind. Measuring a whopping 9.2cm from foot to foot, Hemsworth is the largest male funnel-web spider ever recorded by the Australian Reptile Park. He surpasses previous record holders:
- Colossus at 7.8cm
- Hercules at 7.9cm
To put Hemsworth’s size in perspective, a typical male of his species measures between just 1cm and 5cm. His impressive stature initially led spider keeper Emma Teni to assume Hemsworth was a female, as they tend to be larger than males.
“We thought for sure he had to be a female because of his size, but upon closer inspection, he’s a boy.”
– Emma Teni, Spider Keeper at Australian Reptile Park
From Venom to Anti-Venom: How Hemsworth Will Save Lives
While his immense size is noteworthy, it’s Hemsworth’s gender that makes him truly special. Male funnel-web spiders possess a unique compound in their venom called atracotoxin. This is the key ingredient needed to create life-saving anti-venom.
The Australian Reptile Park, located north of Sydney, is the sole facility in the country that milks funnel-web spiders for their venom. The potent substance is extracted when the arachnids strike and bite during the milking process. It can take between 150-200 milkings to produce a single vial of anti-venom.
Since the program began in 1981, there hasn’t been a single fatality in Australia from a funnel-web spider bite. The anti-venom saves up to 300 lives annually. Colossus and Hercules, the park’s previous record-breaking spiders, have also contributed to this critical initiative.
Funnel-Web 101: Get to Know These Fascinating Arachnids
The Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) is primarily found in forested regions and suburban gardens spanning from:
- Sydney, Australia’s most populous city
- north to coastal Newcastle
- west to the Blue Mountains
Some fast facts about these infamous Australian residents:
- Highly venomous – a funnel-web bite can be lethal
- Aggressive when threatened – known to rear up and expose fangs
- Excellent hunters – detect prey through vibrations in their webs
- Burrow dwellers – live in silk-lined holes in the ground
How You Can Help: Donating Spiders for Science
The Australian Reptile Park relies on public donations of funnel-web spiders to maintain their life-saving anti-venom program. Collecting one of these arachnids may sound daunting, but keeper Emma Teni assures it’s quite simple when done properly.
“All you need is a smooth jar and a long-handled spoon. Place the jar in front of the spider and gently encourage it into the jar. Pop the lid on and get it to one of our nearest drop-off locations.”
– Emma Teni, Spider Keeper at Australian Reptile Park
By donating spiders like Hemsworth, everyday Australians can directly contribute to a program that has saved countless lives over the past four decades. It’s a unique way for the public to get involved in an important scientific initiative.
Hemsworth’s Legacy: Paving the Way for Anti-Venom Research
As the largest male funnel-web on record, Hemsworth is set to make quite the impact. His ample size means more venom can be collected per milking, boosting anti-venom production. But beyond his individual contribution, Hemsworth represents hope for the future.
By studying specimens like him, scientists can better understand the unique properties of funnel-web venom. This research paves the way for developing more effective anti-venoms and treatments. In a way, Hemsworth and his record-breaking counterparts are ambassadors for their species, playing a vital role in advancing science and medicine.
So while this superhero spider may not be fighting crime on the big screen, he’s certainly doing his part to make Australia a safer place. One milking at a time, Hemsworth and his fellow funnel-webs are spinning a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
