While out walking, I came across this interesting spider web built into a fence.
If you dare, enlarge the picture and look inside. The owner is home. Roy took the close-up. I wasn't getting this close!
Here is an Internet picture of the Funnel-Web Grass Spider. My Internet research says that this spider typically stays inside its web, and only runs to the front of the web when it feels a vibration. It's web isn't sticky like most spider webs, and it depends on other bugs viewing the deck of the web as a nice place to sit awhile. It is not aggressive toward humans, but will bite given a chance. Here's what the Internet has to say about our reaction to its bite:
Symptoms of a Funnel Web Grass Spider Bite:
Unlike snake bites, the person feels great pain at the site of the bite.
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Nausea and abdominal pain follow.
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The person will also experience difficulty in breathing and a general weakness or numbness of the muscles.
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The body also secretes heavily in several areas.
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Profuse sweating is usually obvious, along with excessive saliva production.
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Heavy coughing is also common.
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Virtually all major hospitals in "Funnel-web Country" carry an effective anti-venom.
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Provided a pressure/immobilisation method has been applied soon after the bite and medical attention sought quickly, a few days in the hospital is the usual outcome with complete recovery.
Here's a picture to clear your mind of that spider stuff! Look-up in the tree. Isn't this an interesting place for a cactus to grow? Bet you never thought you'd have to watch out for a cactus while climbing a tree!
