Redback Spider

Latrodectus hasselti

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Redback Spider: A Closer Look

The redback spider, a cousin to the black widow of the United States and the katipo of New Zealand, is a highly recognizable arachnid. Female redbacks are typically black with a vivid red or orange stripe on their back, although this marking may occasionally be faint or absent. In some cases, the markings may appear as broken spots with thin white lines. Females can grow up to 15mm in length, making them significantly larger than males, which only reach about 5mm.

Only the female redback spider poses a risk to humans, as her fangs can deliver venom that can penetrate the skin. Males, with their smaller fangs and intricate patterns that include white and sometimes yellow details, are harmless to humans. However, males have a shorter lifespan compared to females.

Despite their small size, redback spiders are best avoided due to the potential dangers they pose, especially in areas where they may come into contact with humans.

Redback Spider Facts

  • This spider belongs to the Latrodectus family, known for its venomous species.
  • Females have a black body with a striking red or orange stripe across their back, though sometimes these markings are faint or absent.
  • Males have more intricate markings, usually white and yellow, and are significantly smaller than females.
  • Female redbacks can grow up to 15mm in length, while males are only about 5mm long.
  • Only female redbacks can harm humans due to their large fangs capable of penetrating human skin. Their venom can cause pain and illness, but fatalities are rare with medical treatment.
redback spider poisonous

Redback Spider Facts

  • Males live only a few months, while females can survive for several years.
  • Redback spiders are commonly found in outdoor areas such as sheds, under rocks, and in woodpiles, but they can also live indoors in dark, undisturbed places.
  • They primarily feed on insects and small animals, capturing their prey in webs.
  • Females may eat males after mating, which is a common trait in some spider species.
redback spider female
redback spider infestation

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about redback spiders: their habitat, potential risks, and how to stay safe.

Redback spiders are commonly found in gardens, sheds, garages, and other sheltered areas like under rocks or in dark corners

While their bite is venomous and can cause severe pain, fatalities are rare. Prompt medical treatment can reduce the risks associated with bites.

Redback spiders have a black body with a red or orange stripe across their abdomen. Males are much smaller than females and are less commonly seen.

 

A redback spider bite can cause intense pain, sweating, nausea, and swelling. In severe cases, medical attention and antivenom may be necessary.

 

To avoid bites, wear gloves and shoes when working in areas where redback spiders are likely to live, such as sheds or outdoor spaces.

 

Seek medical attention immediately. Applying ice to the bite area and staying calm will help while waiting for treatment.

 

Redback spiders are not typically aggressive toward humans and will usually only bite in self-defense when provoked.

 

Yes, redback spiders create irregular, tangled webs in dark, undisturbed places, often near ground level or in sheltered spaces.

 

Regularly inspect and clean areas where spiders are likely to live, such as sheds, attics, and garden spaces. Consider seeking professional pest control if you suspect a large infestation.

 

 

While redback spider bites are unlikely to be fatal to pets, they can cause symptoms like swelling, pain, and discomfort. If a pet is bitten, seek veterinary advice immediately.