The "Newcastle Big Boy" is a newly identified species of venomous funnel-web spider named Atrax christenseni. It is native to an area north of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. This spider is notably large, with adult males measuring up to about 9.2 cm (3.6 inches) across including their legs, making it one of the largest in the Atrax genus. It is also considered to have more potent venom than the well-known Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus), earning it the reputation as one of the most venomous spiders in the world. The species was formally described in 2025 and named in honor of Kane Christensen, who contributed specimens leading to this recognition. The antivenom developed for the Sydney funnel-web spider is effective against bites from the Newcastle Big Boy as well. These spiders inhabit silk-lined burrows and are mostly found in the Newcastle area, sometimes entering homes at night. In summary, the Newcastle Big Boy spider is a large, highly venomous funnel-web species distinct from the Sydney funnel-web spider, discovered recently and considered one of the deadliest spiders globally.
