Superhero spider the ‘biggest’ ever found in NSW

He’s huge, hairy and will save lives. Find out why we are milking this star Sydney spider’s special talent.

Much like Thor, this giant spider has superhero strength and the ability to save lives.

This week the Australian Reptile Park welcomed a lethal new resident who they say is the biggest male funnel-web spider ever recorded at 9.2cm from ‘foot to foot’ – and he is named Hemsworth.

The spider has smashed size records set last year by Hercules, who measured in at 7.9cm – and the newbie was named as his size reminded keepers of the towering Australian actor siblings.

Hemsworth is the biggest funnel-web ever recorded by the Reptile Park. PICTURE: Supplied

Captured around Newcastle and handed in at one of the Park’s spider drop-off centres, Hemsworth will join the antivenom program, which saves up to 300 lives every year.

Funnel-web venom is milked when the spider strikes and bites – Hemsworth’s fangs have the ability to pierce a human fingernail.

“We’re used to having pretty big funnel-web spiders donated to the Park but receiving a male funnel-web this big is like hitting the jackpot,” Spider Keeper Emma Teni said.

Emma Teni with Hemsworth the funnel-web. The biggest male funnel web spider in history has been handed into the Australian Reptile Park measuring at 9.2cm from foot to foot. PICTURE: Supplied

Female funnel-webs are typically larger than males so keepers were surprised to determine his sex.

“While female funnel-web spiders are venomous, males are known to be far more dangerous,” she said.

“Having a male funnel-web of this size in our collection means his venom output could be substantial, making him an invaluable asset to the Park’s venom program.”

The male funnel-web spider is named

after the superstar who played Thor.

According to the Park, ‘countless’ lives have been saved since the program began in 1981 and there have been no recorded deaths since then.

A two-year-old boy was the recipient of funnel-web antivenom after he was bitten at his Picton home at Christmas.

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Originally published as Superhero spider the ‘biggest’ ever found in NSW