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Hadronyche adelaidensis

Adelaide Funnel-Web Spider Identification

South Australian funnel-web from the Gulf-region species group, unusual among funnel-webs for constructing a trapdoor burrow.

Medical emergency potential

The Adelaide funnel-web belongs to an isolated South Australian Hadronyche group adapted to drier Gulf-region forests. Its trapdoor-building burrow is unusual for an Australian funnel-web, but the spider should not be identified from a door alone because trapdoor spiders also occur in the same broad region.

Quick identification

  • Dark robust Hadronyche-type build
  • South Australian Gulf-region range clue
  • May construct a trapdoor burrow unlike most funnel-webs
  • Easily confused with local idiopid trapdoor spiders

What to check next

Use range and burrow structure only as supporting clues. Do not open or probe the burrow, and leave species confirmation to an arachnologist.

When to seek medical help

Treat a suspected funnel-web bite as an emergency. Call 000, keep the person still and use pressure immobilisation if trained and available.

Where it is usually seen

Drier forest and sheltered soil habitats in the Gulf region of South Australia, where the spider occupies a silk-lined trapdoor burrow.

Still not sure?

Compare this spider with more clues

Spider lookalikes can be close. Compare size, web, hiding place and state before handling anything.