Kōrero: Spiders and other arachnids

Redback spider

Redback spider

In recent years, small numbers of Australian redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) have been seen in drier areas of New Zealand. It lives mainly in dry, sheltered places, often in outbuildings. The redback has a nasty bite, and a dozen or so deaths were recorded in Australia before the introduction of a specific antivenom in 1956. If someone is bitten, no first aid should be used as this may increase the pain. The best action is to take the victim immediately to a medical specialist.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Queensland Museum
Photograph by Robert Raven

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Te tuhi tohutoro mō tēnei whārangi:

Simon Pollard, 'Spiders and other arachnids - Venomous spiders', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/mi/photograph/12723/redback-spider (accessed 24 April 2024)

He kōrero nā Simon Pollard, i tāngia i te 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 14 Mar 2024