The male Sydney Funnel-Web Spider is six times more toxic than the female, and it is he whom is most often encountered by humans, during their intrepid search for a female to reproduce. The Blue Mountains Funnel-Web and Northern Tree Funnel-Web Spiders are also highly venomous.
Red-Back Spiders
HIGHLY VENOMOUS - DANGEROUS - CAN BE DEADLY
Toxicity of venom - the Red-Back Spider can inflict a painful bite which can be fatal, especially to the young and elderly.
An effective anti-venom was developed in 1956.
Only a small amount of venom can cause serious illness, as the poison attacks the nervous system.
Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
White-tail Spiders
VENOMOUS - CAN BE DANGEROUS
White-tail spider bites can cause burning pain followed by swelling and itchiness. In some cases, blistering or local ulceration have been reported – conditions known medically as necrotising arachnidism. Minor bacterial infection of the wound caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans carried by the spider, may be a contributory factor in such cases. A debate continues about the involvement of White-tail spider bite in cases of severe ulcerative skin lesions seen in patients diagnosed as probable spider bite victims. Typically, in such cases no direct evidence of spider bite is available.
Area of distribution - found across Australia, including Tasmania.
Mouse Spiders
DANGEROUS - venomous - painful bite
Although normally not aggressive, the male mouse spider will bite if provoked, and should be considered dangerous to humans.
This spider has been known to cause severe illness, especially to young children.
It has large hard fangs which can cause a painful bite with a deep gash.
Black House Spiders are venomous - nausea
Venom toxicity - the bite of the Black House Spider is poisonous but not lethal. Certain people bitten experience severe pain around the bite site, heavy sweating, muscular pains, vomiting, headaches and giddiness. First aid and medical attention (ambulance) should be sought as soon as possible.
Area of distribution - Australia-wide.
Spider Identification - adults are about 15 mm in body length and of a dark brown to black velvet textured appearance.
Wolf Spiders are venomous - non-aggressive
Venom toxicity - the bite of the Wolf Spider is poisonous but not lethal. Although non-aggressive, they bite freely if provoked and should be considered dangerous to humans. The bite may be very painful. First aid and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, particularly as to children or the elderly.
Area of distribution - Australia-wide.
Spider Identification - an adult is 15 mm to 30 mm in body length - mottled grey to brown in colour, with a distinct Union Jack impression on it's back. The female carries it's young on it's back.
Trap-Door Spiders are low risk - non-aggressive
FEMALE
Venom toxicity - the bite of the Trap-Door Spider is of low risk (non toxic) to humans. It is a non-aggressive spider - usually timid but may stand up and present it's fangs if harassed. Rarely bites - but if so it can be painful.
Area of distribution - Australia-wide.
Spider Identification - an adult is about 35 mm in body length - brown to dark brown in colour - heavily covered with fine hairs. The male has distinct boxing glove-shaped palps, that is, the two "sensory feelers" at front of it's head.
Orb-Weaving Spiders are low risk - non-aggressive
Venom toxicity - the bite of Orb-Weaving Spiders is of low risk (not toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders. Seldom bite. Be careful not to walk into their webs at night - the fright of this spider crawling over one's face can be terrifying and may cause a heart attack, particularly to the susceptible over 40 year olds.
Area of distribution - Australia-wide, particularly common in bushland along the eastern coastal areas.
Spider Identification - an adult is about 20 mm to 30 mm in body length - has a bulbous abdomen - often colorful - dark to light brown pattern. The common Golden Orb-Weaver Spider has a purplish bulbous abdomen with fine hairs.
St Andrews Cross Spiders are low risk - non-aggressive
Venom toxicity - the bite of the St Andrews Cross is of low risk (non-toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders.
Area of distribution - Australia-wide.
Spider Identification - adult 5 to 15 mm in body length - abdomen striped yellow and brown - as illustrated. The St Andrews Cross Spider usually sits, upside down, in the middle of it's web forming a cross - as illustrated.
Huntsman Spiders are low risk - non-aggressive
Venom toxicity - the bite of Huntsman Spiders is of low risk (non toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders. However, a large individual can give a painful bite. Beware in summer when the female Huntsman Spider is guarding her egg sacs or young.
Area of distribution - Australia-wide.
Spider Identification - an adult varies greatly around 15 mm in body length - has long legs - the diameter of an adult including legs may reach 45 mm - the first 2 pairs of legs are longer than rear two - it is hairy - buff to beige brown in colour, with dark patches on the body.
Be careful! Be wary!
