''Atrax sutherlandi'' is a species of

Australian funnel-web spider 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 recognized as a separate family. All members of the family are native to ...

found in forests on the far southern coast of

New South Wales ) , nickname = , image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates: , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , es ...

and in eastern

Victoria Victoria most commonly refers to: * Victoria (Australia), a state of the Commonwealth of Australia * Victoria, British Columbia, provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada * Victoria (mythology), Roman goddess of Victory * Victoria, Seychelle ...

. It was named after Struan Sutherland, whose work resulted in a successful funnel-web spider

antivenom Antivenom, also known as antivenin, venom antiserum, and antivenom immunoglobulin, is a specific treatment for envenomation. It is composed of antibodies and used to treat certain venomous bites and stings. Antivenoms are recommended only if th ...

. Normally, ''A. sutherlandi'' has a glossy black back and

chelicerae The chelicerae () are the mouthparts of the subphylum Chelicerata, an arthropod group that includes arachnids, horseshoe crabs, and sea spiders. Commonly referred to as "jaws", chelicerae may be shaped as either articulated fangs, or similarly ...

("fangs"), as well as a deep-brown or plum-coloured underbelly. An adult grows to a length of 2 inches (5 cm). A report in 2015 described an unusual individual with a blood-red belly and chelicerae. Unlike its close relative the Sydney funnel web that lives in urban areas, ''A. sutherlandi'' commonly resides in remote areas, thus posing little danger to the public. Due to the niche microhabitat of the Atrax sutherlandi, species divergence can easily occur when there is minor change in the environment. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society., 104(4), 805–819. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8312.2011.01753.x

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q12573083 Atracidae Fauna of New South Wales Spiders of Australia Spiders described in 2010