Red Back Spider Lactrodectus hasselti

It is not known if the Red back in Australia is native. It was first recorded in 1850 and is not found in aboriginal law/dreaming.

 If this spider is introduced, it has adapted very well. The Red-back is found in all parts of Australia except in the hottest deserts and on the coldest mountains. It is the only dangerous spider with an Australia-wide distribution. Red Backs prefer human habitation and their numbers have increased since European Settlement. Prior to European settlement there was no such ting as permanent human residence for spiders.

The female Red-back has a spherical satin-black abdomen with an orange-red stripe. A bite from a Red back can cause serious illness and death. Fortunately antivenom is available.

Webs are untidy arrangements of tight threads with no obvious pattern to them but usually with some contact to the ground.