A 54-year-old woman from Collings Road, Elands, was rushed to Manning Hospital this morning from a suspected funnel-web spider bite to the foot.
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Paramedics transported the woman to hospital in a stable condition. An ambulance spokesperson said they collected the spider for identification by the hospital, but at this stage it is still unsure whether the spider was a funnel-web.
The woman is being released by hospital shortly.
What to do if bitten
First aid for funnel-web spider bites is the same as for snake bite. Application of a compression bandage and immobilisation of the affected limb is important.
To apply a compression bandage for a spider or snake bite wrap the bandage, as firmly as you would for a sprained ankle, beginning at the site of the bite and working up the entire limb.
A rigid splint should be used to stop the limb from moving.
Symptoms commence 15-20 minutes after being bitten.
Seek immediate medical attention and, if possible, keep the spider for identification purposes.
Idetifying funnel-web spiders
- Shiny carapace.
- Deeply curved groove.
- No obvious body pattern.
- Eyes closely grouped.
- Four spinnerets, largest with last segment longer than wide.
- Lower lip studded with short, blunt spines.
- Modified male second leg (usually with a mating spur or grouped spines).
Mouse spiders are often mistaken for funnel-web spiders as they look very similar. Mouse spiders have bulbous head and jaws (wider than a funnel-web) and shorter spinnerets.
(from the Australian Museum website)
For more information about funnel web spiders visit www.australianmuseum.net.au/funnel-web-spiders-group.