Skip to Content

Funnel-web spider bite

Definition

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.

Poisonous Ingredient

  • Funnel-web spider venom

Where Found

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.

Symptoms

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

Home Care

Funnel-web spider bites are extremely poisonous. Seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poison Control Center for guidance. Apply a bandage and firm pressure over the bite, and keep the affected area still, if possible, to prevent the venom from spreading. Loosen clothing and remove rings and other constrictive jewelry.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Time the bite occurred
  • Type of spider, if possible

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The wound will be treated as appropriate.

The patient may receive:

  • Breathing support
  • Fluids through a vein (by IV)
  • Medications to treat symptoms
  • Antivenin medication, if available

Outlook (Prognosis)

Funnel-web spider bites can be life threatening, especially in children, and must be treated quickly with antivenin by an experienced doctor. Even with appropriate and timely treatment symptoms may persist for several days to weeks.

References

Boyer LV, Binford GJ, McNally JT. Spider bites. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 46.

Clark RF, Schneir AB. Arthropod bites and stings. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 194.

Review Date: 10/4/2009
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850

Submit an Online Information Request