Poisonous Spiders of Australia

Spiders are among the most successful predators on the planet, and the among the most widespread. They can be found from dense jungles to arid deserts and are riddled with biological adaptations that help them survive, one of which being venom. Almost all spiders use venom that they inject into their prey to either paralyze it, and in many cases kill it. Australia is home to some of the most poisonous spiders in the world, some of which are also relatively common.

  1. Redback Spiders

    • Redback Spiders, Latrodectus hasselti, are extremely common in Australia and are very similar in appearance to North America's famous Black Widow Spider. They're typically very dark brown or black in color with a very distinctive red stripe going going their very round backs. Redback spiders are very versatile when it comes to environment, but have a preference for warmer, more urban areas. They can be found solitary, either hiding in or under logs, or living in enormous groups by the hundreds, often stealing each others' prey. Their diet consists mostly of insects, but occasionally they've been known to kill mice or even small lizards.

    Sydney Funnel-Web Spider

    • The Sydney Funnel-Web spider is regarded by many to be one of the worlds most dangerous spiders. Often growing around two inches long with a thick, jet-black body, the spider is known for aimlessly wandering into peoples' houses and biting without warning. They, unlike the Redback spider, prefer damp, cooler locations and create lairs by covering the walls of a burrow in silky webbing, making them very easy to distinguish. When biting, the Funnel-Web spider may not inject venom, but regardless one should always seek medical attention, as their venom can induce vomiting, excessive sweating, headaches and body aches, and even death.

    White-Tail Spiders

    • These spiders are small, only about an inch or so in body length, and can be distinguished by their gray colors and white tips on the back of their abdomen, hence their name. They prefer cool, moister areas as opposed to warmth, and during the summer months will escape indoors to avoid the excessive heat. The toxicity of their venom is under debate, as some claim that their bite can cause severe skin ulcerations. Regardless, their bite can cause nausea, headaches, burning pain and severe itchiness around the bitten area.

    Mouse Spiders

    • Mouse spiders are relatively large, growing up to three inches long, and are typically wide-bodied and jet black in appearance, although females may have a distinctive red head. They're ground dwellers and can be found in burrows in the dirt, and typically do not attack unless provoked. Their bites are very painful, as Mouse spiders have very large, very hard fangs that can deeply penetrate skin. Their venom may cause illness, including nausea and vomiting, as well as severe pain around the bite.

    Black House Spiders

    • Black House spiders are small, topping out around half an inch or so, and have a very painful bite that is sometimes accompanied by nausea or headaches, though their venom is not lethal to humans. They prefer dry areas and can often be found hanging around lights at night, since lights attract moths and flies, their primary food source.

    Wolf Spiders

    • Wolf spiders are medium-sized spiders, ranging anywhere from a half inch to an inch and a half in length, and are brown or gray in color with a distinctive light "U" imprinted on its back. Bites may be painful, but typically do not result in illness or headaches. Wolf spiders are not aggressive towards humans whatsoever, but will still bite if they feel threatened or are provoked.