Australian scientists have confirmed a new, larger, and more venomous species of the deadly Sydney funnel-web spider, nicknamed ‘big boy.’

Growing up to 9 cm (3.54 inches), it has longer fangs and larger venom glands than its common counterpart.

First discovered near Newcastle in the early 2000s, the spider has been named Atrax christenseni after spider expert Kane Christensen.

Despite its potent venom, the existing anti-venom for Sydney funnel-webs remains effective, Sky News has reported.

Funnel-web spiders are most active from November to April, with no deaths recorded since the anti-venom’s introduction in 1981.

Written by B.C. Begley