Atrax yorkmainorum is a venomous species of Australian funnel-web spider belonging to the Atracidae family and is found in forests in the vicinity of Canberra and south-eastern New South Wales.

The spider will sense the vibrations from the web, then attack its prey by injecting venom with its fangs to immobilise and break down its victim.

Atrax yorkmainorum does not have a widespread distribution within Australia, remaining within the forest areas of south-eastern New South Wales, as well as the Australian Capital Territory.

The spiders venom contains neurotoxic toxins such as δ-atracotoxin, that interfere with voltage gated sodium channel activation, which is responsible for the paralyses effect of Atrax bites.

Some of the systemic symptoms of Atrax yorkmainorum envenomation include mouth spasms, tongue and muscle fasciculation, nausea, hypersalivation, increased sweating and pulmonary edema.

[7][8] The silk trip-lines are arranged in an irregular fashion lining the burrow, which extends roughly the length of an adult forearm.

[8][9] When it comes time to hunt, the spider will remain in standby in the burrow, stalking its prey until it is alerted that there is a creature walking across the white silk lines.

[8] Once alerted that there is an insect such as a beetle or cockroach, the spider advances towards the prey, injecting venom to immobilise and liquify its target to aid in digestion.

[13] The chance of encountering a funnel web spider is increased during the humid, wet months as the male is most active in these conditions as it provides a more favourable environment.

[18] The components of the spiders’ venom permit immobilisation of prey from protein substances and contains toxins that interfere with the nervous system of its victim.

[19] The resulting slow inactivation of sodium channels leads to inappropriate overstimulation of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, which is responsible for the paralyses effect of Atrax bites.

[9] Due to the large fang size of Atrax species (~5mm), the spider bite is painful and will usually leave a mark on its victim.

[9][5] The systemic symptoms of envenomation occurs within 10 minutes of the spider bite and may include effects such as mouth numbness or spams, shortness of breath and tongue fasciculation.

[9] As described in literature, in severe cases patients may experience muscle fasciculation, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and a build-up of fluid in the lungs.

[5] Death from an Atrax spider bite occurs more rapidly in young children compared to adults due to their small body size.

[9] According to Professor James Tibballs, death in young children may occur approximately 15–90 minutes following an attack compared to adults which can take over 30 hours after a bite.

[16] Pressure bandaging above or below the bite and immobilisation of the individual must be performed immediately if the patient develops signs of systemic envenoming.

[5] Pressure immobilisation bandaging first aid is required to delay envenoming and should only removed once the patient has been taken to a hospital or medical centre that possesses anti-venom.