There are big spiders, and then there’s the Newcastle ‘Big Boy.’ First described in the early 2000s, this spider is the largest type of funnel-web spider found in Australia.

The Sydney funnel-web spider has extremely dangerous venom, but according to a new study this spider is actually three different species — one of which, the "Newcastle big boy," is much larger.

"The Newcastle funnel-web, Atrax christenseni — 'Big Boy' — is a totally new species." The dark, glossy and large spiders are considered among the most dangerously venomous spiders for humans.

The Newcastle funnel-web, which is found only near the city of Newcastle to Sydney's north, has been nicknamed "Big Boy" by spider enthusiasts.

Newcastle funnel-web ‘Big Boy’ is latest to join deadly line-up. NSW is now home to three different types of the ‘iconic’ venomous spider and the latest is known as Big Boy.

Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News. Atrax christenseni – or ‘Big Boy’ – is found only in Newcastle and splits the funnel-web variant ...