Redback Spider
Redback Spider
The Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is common through most gardens in Tasmania. Webs are usually built in dry, sheltered sites, such as among rocks, in logs, shrubs, old tires, sheds, outhouses, children's toys or under rubbish or litter. They are common in garden sheds.
Redbacks are considered one of the most dangerous spiders in Australia.[1]
The Redback spider has a neurotoxic venom which is toxic to humans with bites causing severe pain. There is an antivenom for Redback bites which is commercially available.
Female Redbacks are easily identifiable by their red stripe running down the back of the small black body with thin long legs. Males are smaller in size and lack the red stripe.
