Have you ever wondered what it looks like when dozens of spiders clamber out into the world from their egg sac?
Well, wonder no more. Footage released by the Australian Reptile Park, in New South Wales, shows the moment the egg sac is cut open, releasing over 100 funnel-web spiders.
Be warned though, the video may send shivers down the spine of people who have arachnophobia.
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The sac was the first-ever funnel-web egg sac bred in captivity and is part of a programme aiming to use the spiders' venom to develop antivenom.
"Our aim is to milk 3,000 funnel-web spiders annually to send the raw venom we milk to Seqirus, who create the antivenom for hospitals around Australia," says the park's head of spiders Kane Christensen.
Funnel-web spiders are native to Australia, with some of the species producing venom that is potentially fatal to humans.
Christensen says there is a total of 10 egg sacs in captivity, most of which are expected to hatch shortly.
"The spiders will eventually become a crucial part of education and hopefully the antivenom programme," he said.
Christensen also encouraged the public to hand in spiders if they found them. Despite being venomous, the critters can be captured easily and safely, he said.
"When collecting spiders, adults should be equipped with a spider safety kit including a glass jar with air holes in the lid, and a plastic ruler to guide the spider into the jar.
"We encourage parents to educate children that should they locate a spider of any kind, they [should] find a parent immediately and do not try and touch the spider with their hands."
Egg sacs were often found in sheltered, shady spots, such as in shoes left outside, Christensen warned.
The spiders were described as being "extremely aggressive" and could be expected to stand their ground and defend themselves.
Newshub.
