Female Bird-Eating Spider (Selenocosmia stirlingi)

Bird-eating spiders are amongst the largest spiders found in Australia. These primitive spiders are native to northern and inland Australia. They excavate long burrows from which they emerge at night to ambush prey which includes spiders, insects, frogs, lizards and sometimes small birds. Some species are currently being collected from the wild and being sold as pets in suburban pet shops, increasing the likelihood of bites by these large arachnids. Reported symptoms includes nausea, vomiting, sweating and general malaise. No deaths have been recorded. There is no antivenom available.