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Redback Spider

Latrodectus hasselti

Photo by Christiane
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

Mature female redbacks are jet black spiders with a variable red stripe on the back of their spherical abdomen. Immature females are smaller, usually brown with whitish markings.

Their tough, untidy webs are usually near the ground with the spider hiding in a shelter tucked in a corner, often guarding her round woolly egg sacs.

Male redback spiders are rarely seen. They are small and brown with red and white markings.

Redback spiders are found throughout Australia, in drier habitats and built-up areas. They are common in dry places around buildings, outdoor furniture, machinery and stacked materials.

In the bush, redback spiders nest under logs and rocks. There is some evidence to suggest that redbacks are not native to Australia.

Habitat:

THE RED BACK ON THE TOILET SIT!!

Notes:

The redback spider is one of Australia’s most recognisable species and they are commonly found in habitats ranging from bushland to urban areas.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

THE REDBACK ON THE TOILET SEAT by Slim Newton There was a redback on the toilet seat When I was there last night. I didn't see him in the dark, But boy I felt his bite. I jumped high up into the air And when I hit the ground, That crafty redback spider Wasn't nowhere to be found.
Red Back Spiders are related to the Black Widow!

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