Damon Mcknight
Australia is known for its large and venomous spiders, and while New Zealand is also home to a variety of spiders, they are generally considered less dangerous and less intimidating than their Australian counterparts. With an estimated 2,000 species of spiders in New Zealand, over 90% are endemic to the country, and very few have bites that can cause significant harm to humans. While some Australian spider species have made their way to New Zealand, such as the flat huntsman spider, they are often considered harmless. So, while New Zealand does have its fair share of spiders, they are typically smaller, less venomous, and less prevalent in urban areas compared to Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of spider species | New Zealand has an estimated 2,000 species of spiders, with over 1,100 species described scientifically. |
| Dangerous spiders | Very few New Zealand spiders have bites that can cause significant injury to humans. The Katipō is one such spider, though no deaths have been recorded from its bites for over 200 years. The Australian redback spider, which has a dangerous venom, has also been found in some parts of New Zealand. |
| Size | Spiders in New Zealand are generally small, and it is rare to see one bigger than the upper part of a human thumb. The largest New Zealand spider is the Nelson cave spider, with a leg span of up to 13 centimetres and a body length of three centimetres. |
| Similarities to Australia | New Zealand does not have spiders as big and venomous as those in Australia. However, some Australian spider species, such as the flat huntsman spider and the Australian redback spider, have been introduced to New Zealand. |
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What You'll Learn
- New Zealand spiders are less venomous than Australian spiders
- The Avondale spider in New Zealand was introduced from Australia
- The Nelson cave spider has the largest leg span in New Zealand
- The Katipō is the only endemic venomous spider in New Zealand
- The Australian redback spider has made its way to New Zealand
New Zealand spiders are less venomous than Australian spiders
New Zealand has an estimated 2,000 species of spiders, with over 1,100 species described scientifically. However, very few New Zealand spiders have bites that can cause significant injury to humans. The sole exception is the katipō, a venomous native spider that is now a threatened species. Katipō spiders are naturally shy and rarely bite unless accidentally squashed. There is no solid evidence of any deaths from katipō bites in the last 100–200 years.
In contrast, Australia is known for its venomous spiders, such as the funnel web and the huntsman. The Australian redback spider, a more dangerous relative of the katipō, has been introduced to New Zealand but is only found in small, localized populations. Another introduced species is the Australian white-tailed spider, which has been falsely blamed for many necrotic spider bites.
The difference in spider venom between the two countries may be due to New Zealand's colder and wetter climate, which venomous creatures typically cannot survive in. Additionally, New Zealand's delicate ecosystem, with its unique mix of birds and insects, may have contributed to the lower number of venomous spiders.
While New Zealand does have spiders, they are generally smaller and less venomous than those in Australia. Most are harmless to humans, and it is rare to encounter a large or scary-looking spider in urban areas. The absence of gardens in New Zealand, which are illegal, may also contribute to the lower likelihood of finding large spiders in populated regions.
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The Avondale spider in New Zealand was introduced from Australia
Spiders in New Zealand are not as dangerous as those in Australia, and most are small. While New Zealand does have venomous spiders, they are not as prevalent as they are in Australia. The Avondale spider, a large brown huntsman spider native to Australia, is an exception. Introduced to New Zealand in 1924, it is sometimes known as the Avondale spider, named after the suburb of Auckland from which it slowly spread across the country.
The Avondale spider, or Delena cancerides, is a social species of spider, which is unusual. They share their prey and live together under loose bark, their flat shape making them well-adapted to this environment. They are highly aggressive towards other colonies, often engaging in cannibalism. Despite their intimidating appearance and aggressive nature, Avondale spiders are timid towards humans, and bites are infrequent and rarely harmful.
The male Avondale spider measures 20-25mm in body length, while females are larger, measuring 25-32mm. The spiders are light brown and covered in dense, fine hairs, with hairy legs that can span over 15cm. When disturbed, they move very quickly, scurrying away from any perceived threat.
During the mating season, from January to March, male Avondale spiders frequently enter human houses in search of female companions. Females lay up to 200 green eggs in an oval-shaped, white papery egg sac, which they guard until the spiderlings hatch after 4-6 weeks. The mother continues to care for her offspring for a few months until they disperse and fend for themselves.
The Avondale spider has gained notoriety through its depiction in films such as the Australian movie Napoleon and Arachnophobia, where it is portrayed as having a deadly venomous bite. However, in reality, the spider is generally harmless to humans, and bites usually result in minor symptoms, if any at all.
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The Nelson cave spider has the largest leg span in New Zealand
Spiders in New Zealand are smaller and less dangerous than those in Australia. While New Zealand does have its fair share of spiders, they are not as venomous or as large as those found in Australia. Most spiders in New Zealand are small and harmless, and it is rare to come across one that is bigger than the upper part of a human thumb.
However, one notable exception to this is the Nelson cave spider (Spelungula cavernicola), which holds the record for the largest leg span of any spider native to New Zealand. This spider was first described in 1987 by Ray Forster, based on specimens collected in caves around Nelson, specifically in the Ōpārara Basin of Kahurangi National Park.
The Nelson cave spider can have a leg span ranging from 13 to 15 centimetres and a body length of approximately 2.4 centimetres. Its scientific name, "cavernicola," refers to its restriction to caves, as it has only been found in caves in northwestern Nelson. The first two pairs of legs on this spider each have a long claw, and it uses these to catch its primary prey, the cave wētā, by dropping down on them from above while remaining secured to the cave wall via a drag line.
The Nelson cave spider is so rare that it is legally protected under the New Zealand Wildlife Act, classified as "Range Restricted." This means that encountering one in the wild would be highly unlikely unless you specifically went in search of them in the caves of northwestern Nelson. So while New Zealand does have some large spiders, they are not as prevalent or accessible as the infamous Australian spiders.
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The Katipō is the only endemic venomous spider in New Zealand
Spiders are present in both Australia and New Zealand, but the two countries do not share the same species. While Australia is known for its venomous spiders, New Zealand does not have any dangerous native spiders. The Katipō is the only endemic venomous spider in New Zealand. It is native to the country and is considered endangered. The Katipō is a member of the Latrodectus genus, which includes other venomous spiders such as the Australian redback and the North American black widow. However, unlike its cousins, the Katipō is not known to be aggressive and human encounters are rare.
The Katipō is a small to medium-sized spider, with females being larger and having a round black or brown body the size of a pea. The female Katipō can be identified by a distinctive red stripe bordered in white on its abdomen, while the male is much smaller and has white and black stripes with red diamond-shaped markings. These spiders are typically found in sand dunes, at the base of dune grasses or under driftwood, where they feed on crawling insects that get caught in their webs. They are well-adapted to life on the coast and can even survive being flooded with saltwater.
The Katipō's venom is medically significant and can cause a syndrome known as latrodectism. However, bites are incredibly rare as the Katipō is a shy and non-aggressive spider. It will only bite as a last resort when it feels threatened. The incidence of bites is also low due to the Katipō's narrow range and diminishing population. The last reported fatality from a Katipō bite was in 1901, and there is no solid evidence of any deaths in the last 100 years.
The Katipō holds cultural significance in Māori legends and is known as the "night-stinger," derived from "kakati" (to sting) and "po" (the night). It is the only spider known to possess a confidently identifiable Māori name. While the Katipō is feared due to its venomous nature, it is also protected under Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Act, and it is illegal to collect or deliberately kill them.
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The Australian redback spider has made its way to New Zealand
Spiders are a common fear for many people, and Australia is known for its dangerous and large arachnids. While New Zealand does have spiders, they are not as venomous or large as their Australian cousins. However, in recent years, one dangerous Australian spider has been spotted in the country: the redback spider.
The redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti), also known as the Australian black widow, is a highly venomous spider species believed to originate in Australia. It has a distinctive appearance, with adult females having a spherical black body featuring a prominent red stripe on the upper side of the abdomen and an hourglass-shaped red/orange streak on the underside. The female redback is larger than the male, with a body length of about 10mm compared to the male's 3-4mm.
The redback spider has spread beyond Australia and can now be found in Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and other countries due to international shipping and trade. Its affinity for human-modified habitats, such as buildings, has contributed to its spread. In New Zealand, small numbers of redback spiders have been sighted in drier, sheltered areas, often in outbuildings.
The redback's bite is dangerous and can be life-threatening. Before the introduction of a specific antivenom in 1956, a dozen or so deaths were recorded in Australia. If someone is bitten by a redback spider, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and avoid using first aid, as it may increase the pain.
The presence of the Australian redback spider in New Zealand highlights the potential risks associated with invasive species and the importance of pest control and prevention measures. While the redback spider is not yet widespread in New Zealand, it poses a serious threat to human health and local insect populations.
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Frequently asked questions
No, spiders in New Zealand are not as big or as venomous as those in Australia. While New Zealand has an estimated 2,000 species of spiders, with over 1,100 species described scientifically, most are endemic and not nearly as scary as Australian spiders.
Very few New Zealand spiders have bites that can cause significant injury to humans. The katipō is one such spider, whose bites can cause abdominal discomfort, shaking, malaise, sweating, hypertension, seizure, or coma. However, no deaths from katipō bites have been recorded for over 200 years.
Yes, the Australian redback spider has established a presence in some parts of New Zealand, such as Taranaki and Central Otago. The Australian white-tailed spider has also been recorded in New Zealand since 1886, but it is not considered dangerous. Additionally, the flat huntsman spider was accidentally introduced from Australia in the early 1920s and is now known as the Avondale spider in New Zealand. It is considered harmless to humans.
The Nelson cave spider is the New Zealand spider with the largest leg span, measuring up to 13 centimetres. The fishing spiders, Dolomedes aquaticus and Dolomedes dondalei, are widespread on the two main islands and can be found near riverbanks. The Golden Orb Weaver Spider has a distinctive appearance with a black body, white pattern on its back, and a yellow underside. Despite its creepy skull-like face, it is harmless to humans and helps control pest insect populations.
