| Atrax christenseni | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Atracidae |
| Genus: | Atrax |
| Species: | A. christenseni |
| Binomial name | |
| Atrax christenseni Dupérré & Smith, 2025 | |
Discovered by Kane Christensen, Atrax christenseni is a species of venomous mygalomorph funnel-web spider of the family Atracidae native to the area north of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia and scientist claim it's highly unlikely for this variant to leave this area. Large male specimens have led to the use of the nickname Newcastle big boys.
These species so far have been recorded to be 2 to 4.5cm in size and so far the antivenom used for the Sydney funnel web is found effective against the Newcastle variant. Further information about the biology of the Atrax Christenseni is unknown.
Taxonomy
It was published by Nadine Dupérré and Helen M. Smith in 2025. Prior, it was thought that these were the same species as the other Sydney funnel-webs, Atrax robustus, before the size of male specimens was brought to attention.
Etymology
The specific epithet christenseni honours Kane Christensen, who brought in specimens that led to its discovery.
Distribution and habitat
It occurs in the area north of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, where it inhabits silk-lined burrows.
Conservation
The exact location of the spider populations are not published, due to conservation concerns.
References
- ^ Natural History Museum Bern. (n.d.). Atrax christenseni Dupérré & Smith, 2025. World Spider Catalog. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://wsc.nmbe.ch/species/64582/Atrax_christenseni
- ^ Loria, S.F., Frank, SC., Dupérré, N. et al. The world’s most venomous spider is a species complex: systematics of the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atracidae: Atrax robustus). BMC Ecol Evo 25, 7 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-024-02332-0
- Australian Museum. Scientists resolve 'identity crisis' for Australia's deadliest spider. Phys.org. Retrieved January 14, 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-01-scientists-identity-crisis-australia-deadliest.html
- Gray, M., & Smith, H. (n.d.). Newcastle Funnel-web Spider, Atrax christenseni. The Australian Museum. Retrieved January 14, 2025, from https://australian.museum/learn/animals/spiders/newcastle-funnel-web-spider-atrax-christenseni/
- Dalton, A. (2025, January 13). A new species of Sydney funnel web has been discovered – and it’s a monster. The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-new-species-of-sydney-funnel-web-has-been-discovered-and-it-s-a-monster-20241211-p5kxmz.html