Australian scientists have discovered a new species of deadly funnel web spider that is larger and more venomous than its relatives, giving it the nickname “Big Boy”.

IN research published on Monday, scientists from the Australian Museum, Flinders University and Germany’s Leibniz Institute discovered that there are three species of Sydney funnel-web spiders instead of one. Scientists named the 3.54-inch-long species Atrax christenseni, nicknamed “Big Boy.” In comparison, common Sydney funnel web spiders can grow to nearly 2 inches.

“Our research has revealed hidden diversity among funnel-web spiders,” said lead researcher Stephanie Loria at statement. “The Newcastle net funnel, Atrax christenseni — ‘Big Boy’ — is an entirely new species.”

Dark, shiny and large spiders are considered among the most dangerous poisonous spiders for humans. Current antivenom is already effective against a wide variety of funnel-web spider bites, including the newly discovered “Big Boy.”

Only male Sydney funnel-web spiders have venom that can kill an adult, and 13 deaths were attributed to the common Sydney funnel-web spider between 1927 and the early 1980s. There have been no deaths since the antidote was introduced in the 1980s.

In 2024, the Sydney Funnel Web Spider found in Australia set a record as the largest spider in the Australian Reptile Park. It measured 3.1 inches from foot to foot, surpassing the park’s previous record holder in 2018.