Victorian Funnel-web Spider
Hadronyche modesta
Atracidae (Australian Funnel-web Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A robust, heavily built spider with a glossy, hairless cephalothorax and a duller, slightly hairy abdomen. The carapace is smooth and highly chitinized. It possesses large, downward-pointing (paraxial) fangs characteristic of Mygalomorphs.
Size Estimate
The body length typically ranges from 15mm to 30mm. Male specimens are usually smaller and more slender-legged than females, which have a more bulbous abdomen.
Coloration & Markings
Predominantly dark brown to jet black. The cephalothorax is distinctively glossy black, while the abdomen may appear dark grey or matte black. No bright patterns or hourglass markings are present.
Web Type
Retreat-based webs. They construct silken tubes or funnel-shaped retreats in burrows under rocks, logs, or in leaf litter. They do not build aerial orb webs.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in a compact, square-like cluster on a slightly raised tubercle at the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Thick, powerful legs with a glossy finish. In males, the second pair of legs may feature a small mating spur (apophysis), used to hold the female's fangs during mating.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains Atracotoxin. While all Funnel-webs should be treated with caution, the Victorian species is generally considered less dangerous than the Sydney Funnel-web; however, its venom can still cause systemic illness.
Medical Significance
Medically significant. A bite can cause severe pain, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. While no deaths have been recorded from this specific species, medical attention should be sought immediately for any Funnel-web bite.
Safety Recommendations
Avoid handling with bare hands. Wear gloves when gardening. If bitten, apply a pressure immobilization bandage (like for snakebite) and go to an emergency room immediately. Relocate using a jar and a stiff piece of cardboard.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found primarily in Victoria and parts of South Australia. They prefer moist, sheltered habitats such as eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and urban gardens with plenty of ground cover.
Behavior & Temperament
Reclusive and nocturnal. While not as aggressive as their Sydney Funnel-web cousins (Atrax robustus), they will adopt a defensive posture (rearing up and showing fangs) if provoked or cornered.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators feeding on beetles, cockroaches, larvae, snails, and occasionally small lizards or frogs using an ambush strategy near their burrow entrance.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during late summer and autumn (January to April). This is when wandering males are most likely to be encountered inside homes or swimming pools after rain.
Description
The Victorian Funnel-web is a quintessential ground-dwelling spider of southeastern Australia. Deeply misunderstood, these glossy black architects spend most of their lives in temperature-controlled silk-lined burrows, emerging only to hunt or, in the case of males, to find a mate during the rainy season.
Key Features
Glossy black carapace, downward-pointing fangs, lack of distinct abdominal patterns, and a stocky build with thick legs.
Similar Species
Atrax robustus (Sydney Funnel-web) which is larger and more aggressive, and various species of Mouse Spiders (Missulena) which often have larger, bulbous heads and different eye spacing.
Life Cycle
Females can live for over 10 years and rarely leave their burrows. Males live shorter lives (around 1-3 years) and wander during humid nights in late summer or autumn to find mates.
Ecological Importance
As an apex invertebrate predator, they provide essential pest control by regulating populations of ground-dwelling insects and larvae.
Conservation Status
Not currently listed on the IUCN Red List. They are common in their range, through habitat destruction in urban corridors is a potential long-term threat.
Interesting Facts
The Victorian Funnel-web's fangs are strong enough to pierce a fingernail or a soft leather shoe. Additionally, they can survive underwater for hours by trapping air bubbles in the hairs of their body.
Photography Tips
Focus on the gloss of the carapace and the eye cluster. Use a macro lens from a safe distance. A side-on shot can capture the impressive fangs if the spider is in a defensive posture.
Identified: 2026-06-23T19:54:12.176248