Mouse spiders derive their name from the belief that they dig deep burrown similar to mice, however this is now known to be false. Mouse spiders range in length from 1 to 3 centimetres. They have a glossy carapace and high, broad heads, with eyes spread accross the front of the head. All females are black while male colours vary from species to species. All mouse spiders are indigeunous to Australia although one species is also found in Chile. Female mouse spiders live in burrows about 30 centimetres deep covered by a trapdoor. Generally, they never leave. The males will wander in search of mates. Evidence suggests that mouse spider venom is similar to that of funnelweb spiders and funnelweb antivenom is found to be effective, though mouse spiders are far less aggresive and envenomations are rare.
