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

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Funnel-web spider venom

Funnel-web spiders are found in southeast Australia, around Sydney. They are not native to the United States, although some people may keep them as exotic pets.

Funnel-web spider bites are extremely painful. They usually 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 symptoms:

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Drooling
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Double vision
  • Swallowing difficulty
• Heart and blood
  • Collapse
  • High blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate
• Lungs
  • Difficulty breathing
• Muscles and joints
  • Joint pain
  • Severe muscle spasms -- usually in the legs and belly area
• Nervous system
  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Headache
  • Numbness of mouth and lips
  • Tremors
  • Shivering (chills)
• Skin
  • Redness around the site of bite
  • Sweating -- excessive
• Stomach and intestines
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting