"Hercules" The largest male specimen of the world’s most venomous spider has been found in Australia

[passenger]

January 4, 2024

SYDNEY (AP) — With fangs that could pierce a human fingernail, the largest male specimen of the world’s most venomous arachnid has found a new home at the Australian Reptile Park where it will help save lives after a member of the public discovered it by chance.

The deadly Sydney funnel-web spider dubbed “Hercules” was found on the Central Coast, about 50 miles north of Sydney, and was initially given to a local hospital, the Australian Reptile Park said in a statement Thursday.

Spider experts from the nearby park retrieved it and soon realized it was the largest male specimen ever received from the public in Australia.

LINK ... Arachnophobes DON'T LOOK!
...also...

Spoiler: YouTube

 

[MrDawn]

I remember hearing about this spider in the 90's. They have a very nasty bite that can kill. I remember watching a whole documentary about it.

 

[freakofnature]

I'm arachnophobic (thank you for not posting pictures

). I frequent Yahoo.com (email) and the other day this was the lead story at the top of their homepage along with a large picture. Needless to say, I was not pleased.

 

[ElegantAura]

Ah the spiders here ..

 

[MrDawn]

Ah the spiders here ..

I like spiders. I prefer tarantulas as pets though. The most venomous tarantula I have is the blue cobalt. They're pretty to look at but volatile and a have a pretty nasty bite.

 

[ElegantAura]

I like spiders. I prefer tarantulas as pets though. The most venomous tarantula I have is the blue cobalt. They're pretty to look at but volatile and a have a pretty nasty bite.

Honestly, I don't think I could ever have a spider as a pet they're not for me. I'm fine with them being outside.
I haven't seen any big spiders around my house but I make sure to keep the areas where I spend time clean, with fewer hiding spots for pests.
On another note, I have some blue tongue lizards in the backyard.
They live under the lifted concrete, and having them around has helped reduce the number of roaches and other pests.

Have you ever kept spiders as pets?