Are there black widows in New Zealand?
Are there black widows in New Zealand?
New Zealand is home to about 2500 kinds of spiders, most of them harmless to people. The katipo (Latrodectus katipo) and the redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) belong to the same genus as the American black widow spider. These two are the only spiders venomous to people in New Zealand.
Does New Zealand have any poisonous spiders?
Re: Dangerous Wildlife? NZ is interesting from a zoological point of view as it has NO snakes, one poisonous spider (rare) and really nothing else to worry about.
When should I worry about a spider bite NZ?
For any suspected spider bite, see a doctor if the bite area becomes very red or painful, blisters, appears infected, or forms an ulcer. The National Poisons Centre is available 24 hours a day on 0800 764 766 for advice on first aid and treatment of bites.
Where are katipo spiders found in NZ?
The Katipo Spider prefers grasses, sedges, driftwood and flotsam on sandy beaches throughout New Zealand. The black katipo appears to be confined to the northern half of the North Island, while the true katipo can be found in the southern part of the island.
How big is a katipo?
The katipÅ is a small to medium-sized spider. The mature female has a body size of about 8 millimetres (0.31 in) with a leg span of up to 32 millimetres (1.3 in).
Where are redback spiders found in NZ?
Otago
Redback spiders have been recorded in New Zealand since the 1980s. There are reported populations in Otago, New Plymouth and Taupo.
Are Daddy Long Legs Poisonous NZ?
In fact, they are not poisonous at all. They have enlarged and modified mouthparts relative to their body size, which are used for their omnivorous diet of small invertebrates, carrion, plants and fungi. New Zealand has over 250 species of harvestmen and all but two are only found here.
What does a katipo look like?
The adult female of the true katipo is a small spider with a pea-sized abdomen. It is black in colour and may sometimes have white markings both at the front of the abdomen and also bordering a pronounced red stripe. Males and juveniles of this species have much white on them that turns to black as the spiders molt.
