About Macrothele calpeiana (Walckenaer, 1805)
Macrothele calpeiana, commonly called the Gibraltar funnel-web spider or Spanish funnel-web spider, is one of the largest spider species found in Europe. It is the only spider species that receives protection under European Union legislation. This spider is characteristically satin black in color and has long, flexible spinnerets. Its carapace is low and flat, and its eyes are grouped into a tight compact cluster. Females resemble males in appearance, but have a larger abdomen. Males can reach nearly 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) in total length, while females are typically larger than males. Like all funnel-web spiders, this species builds a funnel-shaped web with trip-threads positioned around the web entrance; webs are constructed among stones and roots. This spider's native geographical range includes Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar. It can also be found in north-west Africa and Italy, where it is thought to have arrived via the olive tree trade with the Iberian Peninsula. Occasional observations of this species have been recorded in France. The venom of Macrothele calpeiana is not deadly to humans. It is the designated type species of its genus Macrothele.
