Southern Tree Funnel-web

A high proportion of bites from the southern tree-dwelling funnel-web spider—three out of four recorded cases—result in severe symptoms of envenomation, a higher proportion of bites than even the Sydney funnel-web spider. The venom can be successfully treated with the antivenom for the related Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus). The venom of Hadronyche cerberea contains the peptide Hc3a. Symptoms of envenomation can occur within 15–20 minutes. Applying pressure and a tourniquet can significantly delay the onset of symptoms and remains a critical part of the management of an Australian funnel-web spider bite. Despite the venom lacking the atraxotoxin or atraxin of A. robustus, the symptoms are very similar to those from a Sydney funnel-web spider bite. Common symptoms include diaphoresis (profuse sweating), hypertension (elevated blood pressure), sinus tachycardia (elevated heart rate), nausea, vomiting and local pain at the bite site. Pulmonary oedema (fluid build-up in the lungs) often comes on early.