Atracidae is a family of mygalomorph spiders, commonly known as Australian funnel-web spiders or atracids. It has been included as a subfamily of the Hexathelidae, but is now recognised as a separate family. All members of the family are native to Australia. Atracidae consists of three genera: Atrax, Hadronyche, and Illawarra, comprising 35 species. Some members of the family produce venom that is dangerous to humans, and bites by spiders of six of the species have caused severe injuries to victims. The bites of the Sydney funnel-web spider and northern tree-dwelling funnel-web spider are potentially deadly, but no fatalities have occurred since the introduction of modern first-aid techniques and antivenom.
Hexathelidae is a family of mygalomorph spiders. It is one of a number of families and genera of spiders known as funnel-web spiders. In 2018, the family was substantially reduced in size by genera being moved to three separate families: Atracidae, Macrothelidae and Porrhothelidae. Atracidae includes the most venomous species formerly placed in Hexathelidae.
The Sydney funnel-web spider is a species of venomous mygalomorph spider native to eastern Australia, usually found within a 100 km (62 mi) radius of Sydney. It is a member of a group of spiders known as Australian funnel-web spiders. Its bite is capable of causing serious illness or death in humans if left untreated.
Missulena is a genus of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It was first described by Charles Walckenaer in 1805, and is a senior synonym of Eriodon. M. tussulena is found in Chile, but the rest are indigenous to Australia. They are sometimes referred to as "mouse spiders" from the now-disproven belief that they dig deep burrows similar to those of mice. Scotophaeus blackwalli is also called a "mouse spider", but it is smaller and not closely related.
Plesiolena is a small genus of South American mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It was first described by Pablo A. Goloboff and Norman I. Platnick in 1987, and it has only been found in Chile. The name is a combination of "plesiomorphy" and the genus Missulena. As of November 2021 it contains only 2 species: P. bonneti and P. jorgelina.
Nemesiidae, also known as funnel-web trapdoor spiders, is a family of mygalomorph spiders first described by Eugène Simon in 1889, and raised to family status in 1985. Before becoming its own family, it was considered part of "Dipluridae".
Missulena occatoria, known as the red-headed mouse spider, is a species of spider found in Australia, from open forest to desert shrubland. It is the most widely distributed Missulena species, occurring throughout mainland Australia. This is possible because the spiderlings disperse via wind (ballooning). Normally this only occurs with araneomorph spiders, mygalomorph spiders normally disperse by walking. Missulena venom may be very toxic, but few cases of serious envenomation have been recorded. Most recorded bites only caused minor effects, with Australian funnel-web spider antivenom having proved effective as a treatment.
Australia has a number of highly venomous spiders, including the Sydney funnel-web spider, its relatives in the family Hexathelidae, and the redback spider, whose bites can be extremely painful and have historically been linked with deaths in medical records. Most Australian spiders do not have venom that is considered to be dangerously toxic. No deaths caused by spider bites in Australia have been substantiated by a coronial inquest since 1979. There are sensationalised news reports regarding Australian spiders that fail to cite evidence. A Field Guide to Spiders of Australia published by CSIRO Publishing in 2017 featuring around 836 species illustrated with photographs of live animals, around 381 genera and 78 families, introduced significant updates to taxonomy from Ramirez, Wheeler and Dmitrov
Missulena bradleyi, also known as the eastern mouse spider, is a species of spider belonging to the family Actinopodidae. The spider is endemic to the eastern coast of Australia.
Missulena torbayensis is a species of spider belonging to the family Actinopodidae. The spider is endemic to southwest Western Australia.
Missulena insignis, commonly known as the lesser red-headed mouse spider, is a species of spider belonging to the family Actinopodidae native to Australia. The species name is derived from the Latin insignis "mark".
Missulena mainae is a species of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It is found in Western Australia.
Missulena melissae is a species of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It is found in Western Australia. Its type locality is in Millstream Chichester National Park, 6 km N. of Millstream Homestead.
Missulena pinguipes is a species of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It is found in Western Australia.
Missulena langlandsi is a species of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It is found in Western Australia.
Missulena faulderi is a species of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It is found in Western Australia.
Missulena granulosa is a species of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It is found in Western Australia.
Missulena harewoodi is a species of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It is found in Western Australia.
Missulena dipsaca is a species of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It is found in Australia.
Missulena rutraspina is a species of mygalomorph spiders in the family Actinopodidae. It is found in Western Australia.
