Scientists reveal the Sydney funnel-web spider is actually three distinct species, with Newcastle's "Big Boy" reigning supreme.

Australian scientists have discovered a new species of the deadly funnel-web spider that is bigger and more venomous than its relatives, nicknaming it "Big Boy."

A new type of spider, nicknamed the ‘big boy’, has officially been discovered in Australia- and immediately became one of the deadliest arachnids in the world. The Sydney funnel-back spider has held the title of world’s most venomous spider for many years, and has been responsible for at least 13 recorded deaths.

A new bigger and more dangerous version of the world's deadliest spider, the funnel web, has been identified in the land down under – and it even has longer fangs and more venom