🕷️ Funnel-Web Spider Care Guide
Introduction
The Funnel-Web Spider (family Atracidae and related genera) is one of the most notorious yet fascinating groups of true spiders on Earth. Famous for their tunnel-shaped webs, lightning-fast strikes, and formidable fangs, these spiders are master engineers of silk and soil.
While Australia’s Atrax species (like the Sydney Funnel-Web) are medically significant and not recommended for private keepers, there are less venomous relatives and harmless funnel-web builders worldwide that make interesting display specimens for experienced enthusiasts.
With their unique web architecture and fascinating nocturnal habits, funnel-web spiders offer a glimpse into the more primal side of arachnid behavior.
🌎 Natural Habitat
Funnel-web spiders occur across Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, inhabiting forests, gardens, and grasslands. They are terrestrial ambush predators that live in silk-lined burrows or under logs and stones.
Their distinctive funnel-shaped web acts as both home and hunting trap — the spider hides in the silken tunnel, waiting for vibrations that signal passing prey.
In captivity, providing a burrow or tight retreat is essential to replicate their secure and moisture-balanced environment.
🏡 Enclosure Setup
Funnel-web spiders are burrowers and ambushers, requiring a setup that allows them to construct tunnels or occupy pre-made hides.
Recommended enclosure size:
- Juveniles: 10 × 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 × 4 in)
- Adults: 25 × 20 × 20 cm (10 × 8 × 8 in) minimum
Setup essentials:
- Substrate: 8–10 cm (3–4 in) of compact, slightly moist coco fibre, peat, or soil mix.
- Hides: Cork bark, slate, or half-buried tubes to start burrows.
- Web anchors: Rough bark, rocks, or artificial plants.
- Water: Small dish for humidity control and hydration.
- Lighting: Natural ambient light only — these spiders are nocturnal.
- Ventilation: Good airflow with stable humidity.
Ensure the substrate is deep enough for digging and tunnel building. The spider will often create an entrance lined with silk, extending outward in a funnel shape.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
As a general rule:
- Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Humidity: 70–80 %
- Misting: Lightly mist one corner of the enclosure every few days; avoid soaking the burrow.
Humidity supports web construction and molting, but over-saturation can collapse burrows, so balance is key.
🍴 Feeding
Funnel-web spiders are sit-and-wait predators that rely on vibrations to detect prey.
Offer live food such as:
- Crickets
- Small roaches
- Mealworms or silkworms occasionally
Feed once or twice a week, depending on spider size and condition. Avoid leaving live insects in the enclosure for long periods, as trapped prey can stress or injure the spider.
Watching a funnel-web’s strike from its silk tunnel is a thrilling experience — a true display of predatory precision.
⚖️ Growth & Molting
These spiders grow steadily, with juveniles molting more often than adults. Prior to molting, they typically seal themselves inside their burrow with silk and may remain hidden for several days or weeks.
Maintain slightly higher humidity and avoid disturbing them during this time. Wait at least 3–4 days post-molt before offering food again.
⚠️ Temperament & Handling
Funnel-web spiders are highly defensive and not suitable for handling. Their threat displays — raised front legs and dripping fangs — are impressive but should always be respected.
Even non-dangerous species possess potent venom and a strong bite. Handling should be strictly avoided, and maintenance should be done carefully using soft tools or brushes.
These spiders are best appreciated as display specimens, admired for their behavior, web construction, and sheer presence.
🧬 Lifespan & Size
- Body length: 25–35 mm (1–1.4 in) average; some species larger
- Leg span: Up to 6–8 cm (2.5–3 in)
- Lifespan: 5–20 years depending on species and sex (females live significantly longer)
Funnel-web spiders are among the longest-living true spiders, particularly females, who may inhabit the same burrow for over a decade in the wild.
🌿 Breeding Notes
Breeding is for advanced keepers only. Introduce males cautiously to avoid aggression. After successful mating, females produce silken egg sacs inside their burrows.
Keep temperature and humidity stable, and avoid disturbing the enclosure during egg development. Spiderlings disperse shortly after hatching and must be reared separately.
✅ Key Care Summary
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific Family | Atracidae / Agelenidae |
| Common Name | Funnel-Web Spider |
| Origin | Worldwide (notably Australia, Asia, Americas) |
| Category | Terrestrial / Burrowing |
| Adult Size | 25–35 mm body, up to 8 cm leg span |
| Temperature | 22–26 °C (72–79 °F) |
| Humidity | 70–80 % |
| Temperament | Defensive / Aggressive |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Handling | Strictly not recommended |
🔗 Related Guides
- True Spider Care Guide
- Wolf Spider Care Guide
- Huntsman Spider Care Guide
- Golden Silk Orb-Weaver Care Guide
🎥 For More Arachnid Related Content
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