Zoo-pedia > Black Funnel-web Spider - Raveniola sinensis

Black Funnel-web Spider - Raveniola sinensis

By Tom Halvorsen.

Amongst the Funnel-web Spiders we find some of the world`s most dangerous spiders, with a very potent venom. Indeed, the Sydney Funnel-web Spider, Atrax robustus, is generally accepted as the world`s deadliest Spider, and was responsible for several deaths, until an antivenom became available in the early 80`s.
However, not all Funnel-web Spiders are deadly, or dangerously venomous. We do sometimes have in stock the beautiful Black Funnel-web Spider, which we import from Asia when available. Although the strength and composition of it`s venom has not been scientifically investigated as far as we know of, our collector claims to have been bitten several times. According to her, the pain is not very long-lasting, and “less painful” than a bite from the Giant Asian Centipede, Scolopendra subspinipes. As this Centipede-species has an extremely painful bite, it is needless to say that great care must be taken while working with the Black Funnel-web Spider, to avoid getting bitten!

The Black Funnel-web Spider is highly aggressive, and temparement-wise it can be compared to the Cobalt Tarantula (Haplopelma lividum) and the Starburst Baboon Tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus). If possible; the Black Funnel-web Spider is even more aggressive! Unlike the Tarantulas that usually give you a forwarning of their attack, the Black Funnel-Web Spider is unpredictable, as well as much faster! Use extra long tweezers while working within it`s enclosure.

The Black Funnel-web Spider looks a bit like a Tarantula at first sight, but it has long spinnerets, and it`s legs only have a few hairs, unlike the Tarantulas. It is approximately of the same size as a medium-sized Tarantula, such as the common Chilean Rose Tarantula. It appears to be a hardy captive, that mostly feeds on crickets during the darkness of the night. Keep it as youy would a Tarantula, with a deep layer of substrate.

In the UK, buyers and keepers do not need a DWA-license to obtain and to keep the Black Funnel-web Spider. The only Funnel-web Spider-species listed as DWA (UK`s Dangerous Wild Animals Act) is the members of the australian genus Atrax, and as such the Black Funnel-web Spider can be traded without any restrictions in the UK. Due to it`s agressiveness and rather potent venom, despite being considered not dangerous to humans, we have chosen to supply this species only to advanced, experienced keepers above 18 years of age.

We do always recommend our trade customers who purchases this spider from us to require the same from their customers, to ensure responsible and safe keeping of the rarely available Black Funnel-web Spider, by serious enthusiasts, with a genuine interest and legitimate reasons for keeping a spider more venomous than the average Tarantula.