Funnel Web Spiders Atrax Robustus
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Husbandry Guidelines for FUNNEL WEB SPIDERS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE SYDNEY FUNNEL WEB Atrax robustus (Arachnida : Hexathelidae) Compiler: Vanessa Battishill Date of Preparation: Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond Course Name and Number: Certificate 3 in Captive Animals. RUV30204 Lecturer: Graeme Phipps, Jackie Salkeld, Brad Walker, DISCLAIMER These husbandry guidelines were produced by the compiler/author at TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute, Richmond College, N.S.W. Australia as part assessment for completion of Certificate III in Captive Animals, Course number 1068, RUV30204. Since the husbandry guidelines are the result of student project work, care should be taken in the interpretation of information therein, - in effect, all care taken but no responsibility is assumed for any loss or damage that may result from the use of these guidelines. It is offered to the ASZK Husbandry Manuals Register for the benefit of animal welfare and care. Husbandry guidelines are utility documents and are ‘works in progress’, so enhancements to these guidelines are invited. 2 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS Risk category: HIGH RISK = DANGEROUS The Sydney Funnel Web spider Atrax robustus is considered to be one of the most venomous spiders in the world! Although no one has died from the bite of The Northern Tree Funnel Web Hadronyche formidabilis, they are still highly venomous and the venom is considered to be closely as lethal as The Sydney Funnel Web. (FORD, N. [email protected], 30 April 2009). There is much debate as to which spider is the most venomous spider in the world and the debate includes Atrax robustus and The Brazilian Wondering Spider Phoneutria nigriventer. Funnel-Web spiders have fangs that deliver powerful venom. The venom contains a powerful combination of neurotoxins including atraxotoxin. Atraxotoxin is one of the most dangerous toxins in the animal kingdom. Venom is delivered from two (approximately) 5mm long venom glands through 4mm long ducts to the base of the 2 downward pointing fangs, approximately 6mm long in Atrax robustus males. A bite from these spiders will cause serious illness and can even lead to death. Immediate symptoms include: puncture marks from the fangs, local pain and numbness at the bite area. The pain and numbness usually occur within 10 minutes of being bitten. Other symptoms that follow vary with each occasion but can include: Twitching of the facial muscles and tongue, numbness in the mouth, nausea followed by vomiting, stomach pain, cramps, perspiration, swelling, excessive saliva, frothing at the mouth and breathing difficulties. In cases where the victim has not received the antivenom sometime after the bite, the victim can become delirious, their eyes will not respond to light and twitching can affect the whole body. (Simon-Brunet 1994) The venom enters the nervous system and acts quickly and in most cases, the venom of males is more toxic than females. This is the case for Sydney Funnel Web spiders Atrax robustus. To minimise chances of being bitten, firstly, be extremely alert and focused when dealing with these spiders. Move carefully but confidently at all times and use tweezers to handle and/or maneuver spider. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services. Do not panic and keep as still as possible. Do not try to get the venom out of the bitten area in any way as doing so can hasten the venom into the bloodstream. (Simon-Brunet 1994) Contain spider if possible by placing a jar or other container over spider so spider can be taken to the hospital, positively identified and correct antivenin can be given. 3 Apply a crepe bandage to the bitten limb (start from the bitten area then work your way down to the toes or fingers then up as far as possible to the upper thigh/groin area or armpit), with the same amount of pressure and support as for a sprained limb and then use a splint to restrict the movement of the limb. By doing this, it can aid the body to naturally breakdown the venom. This bandaging approach is only to be used in the case of a funnel web spider bite. (Simon-Brunet 1994) (Sydney Funnel-Web spider in strike position with fangs clearly visible http://en.wikipedia.org ). 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 8 1.1 ASMP CATEGORY ....................................................................................................................... 9 1.2 IUCN CATEGORY – SEE ALSO 2.3 ................................................................................................ 9 1.3 EA CATEGORY ............................................................................................................................. 9 1.4 NZ AND PNG CATEGORIES AND LEGISLATION .......................................................................... 10 1.5 WILD POPULATION MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................ 10 1.6 SPECIES CO-ORDINATOR ............................................................................................................ 10 1.7 STUDBOOK HOLDER ................................................................................................................... 10 2 TAXONOMY .................................................................................................................................... 11 2.1 NOMENCLATURE ........................................................................................................................ 11 2.2 SUBSPECIES ................................................................................................................................ 11 2.3 RECENT SYNONYMS ................................................................................................................... 11 2.4 OTHER COMMON NAMES ........................................................................................................... 12 3 NATURAL HISTORY ..................................................................................................................... 12 3.1 MEASUREMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 13 3.1.1 Mass And Basic Body Measurements ................................................................................... 13 3.1.2 Sexual Dimorphism ............................................................................................................... 13 3.1.3 Distinguishing Features ........................................................................................................ 13 3.2 DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT ..................................................................................................... 15 3.3 CONSERVATION STATUS ............................................................................................................ 16 3.4 LONGEVITY ................................................................................................................................ 17 3.4.1 In the Wild ............................................................................................................................ 17 3.4.2 In Captivity ........................................................................................................................... 17 3.5 TECHNIQUES USED TO DETERMINE AGE IN ADULTS .................................................................. 17 4 HOUSING REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................ 18 4.1 EXHIBIT/ENCLOSURE DESIGN (FOR BOTH LARVAL AND ADULT STAGES) .................................... 18 4.2 HOLDING AREA/ OFF EXHIBIT DESIGN (FOR BOTH LARVAL AND ADULT STAGES) ...................... 18 4.3 SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................... 20 4.4 POSITION OF ENCLOSURES ......................................................................................................... 20 4.5 WEATHER (AND OTHER) PROTECTION ........................................................................................ 21 4.6 TEMPERATURE AND MICROCLIMATE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................ 21 4.7 SUBSTRATE ................................................................................................................................ 21 4.8 NESTBOXES AND/OR BEDDING MATERIAL ................................................................................. 21 4.9 ENCLOSURE FURNISHINGS ......................................................................................................... 22 5 GENERAL HUSBANDRY ............................................................................................................... 22 5.1 HYGIENE AND CLEANING ........................................................................................................... 22 5.2 RECORD KEEPING ...................................................................................................................... 23 5.3 METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................... 23 5.4 ROUTINE DATA COLLECTION ..................................................................................................... 23 6 FEEDING REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................